The Great Need for 2018
“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God, and was going back to God, rose from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself about. Then He poured waster into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded…[and to His disciples Jesus said], ‘If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ‘For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.’” John 13:3-5, 14-15
Many years ago, I was on a Karios prison ministry team which was scheduled to go into a local prison in North Florida and minister to about thirty-six inmates. During one or our pretraining sessions for this event, I, along with the other team members, engaged in a foot-washing which was very humbling and rewarding to my soul; one that I will never forget.
John records this event, not that we would make foot-washing a law in the local congregation, for that is not what this event is about as I was recently reminded in a devotional by Pastor Charles Stanley. Instead, we are to focus on the attitude behind the action Jesus is commanding his disciples “to do to others as He had done unto them.” In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul tells the Christians living in Philippi that they are to have the same humble and self-giving spirit as Christ had when He intentionally gave up His divine rights to come to earth in flesh and die on a cross!
Washing dirty feet in life may seem below our standards, but what act of humility with a Christ-like spirit may God be calling you to perform? Who do you know that needs some form of assistance in which you are to lay aside your desire for prestige, power, or position?
Read John 13:3-15 and Matthew 20:28.
The Great Need for Humble Servant-Leaders in 2018!
Pastor Louie