Fashioned to Serve

Have you ever been to a restaurant where the waitress was so attentive to your needs that your glass never even runs empty? Each time that you take a sip, she seems to know, and intuitively comes rushing to your table to refill it again and again! When this happens, I always feel so noticed and cared for! But, sometimes the opposite is true – the waitress takes your food order and seemingly disappears into thin air, leaving you feeling forgotten (and thirsty)!

Experiences like these remind me of a verse where the King of the World talks about serving.

“Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

Jesus came to serve. 

When the people were expecting the Messiah to come, they thought that he would come as a powerful warrior and a triumphant king who would claim great victory in battle. But, he didn’t come as they had expected. He came in a manger – born in a barn and raised by simple parents. He was friends with fishermen, and He dedicated his entire life to serving others.

He could have come with a sword in His hand, but instead, He came with a towel wrapped around his waist.

In fact, in the hours before His crucifixion, His final moments were spent washing feet.

“So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:4-5)

In the 21st century, we don’t exactly wash feet on a regular basis, so at first glance, this may sound like an odd task to perform. However, in biblical times, foot-washing was necessary. Think about it. The streets were dusty and dirty. People wore sandals everywhere they went, and walking was the primary mode of transportation. Therefore, feet would become sweaty, dirty, and blistery, especially during long journeys.

Because of this, when a host invited guests over, it was customary for the host or their servant to wash the guest’s feet when entering the house. (Have you ever seen the show “Dirty Jobs?” I am thinking this one would have topped the list!)

So, there sits Jesus, the Savior of the World among lowly fishermen. He was the only one in the room who deserved to be served. And yet, he decides to roll up his sleeves and tie a towel around his waist. He chooses to take the lowliest task as His own. He crouches down low and starts to get his hands dirty. He takes each sweaty, blistery foot into his hands and gently removes the grime. With a silent awe in the room, the fishermen cannot believe their eyes – the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, chose to become a humble servant.

Then, He commissions us to do the same:

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

So, my friend, let’s follow the example of our Master.

Let’s crouch down low, roll up our sleeves, and pick up our towel.