18 January 2024 - Washing Feet . . . and Dishes

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Bible in a Year :
Genesis 43–45 , Matthew 12:24–50

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:15

On Charley and Jan’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, they shared breakfast at a café with their son Jon. That day, the restaurant was understaffed with just a manager, cook and one teenage girl who was working as hostess and waitress. As they finished their breakfast, Charley turned to his wife and son and said, “Do you have anything important going on in the next few hours?” They didn’t.

So, with permission from the manager, Charley and Jan began washing dishes in the back of the restaurant while Jon started clearing the cluttered tables. According to Jon, what happened that day wasn’t really that unusual. His parents had always set an example of Jesus who “did not come to be served (by others), but to serve (others)” (Mark 10:45).

In John 13, we read about the last meal Christ shared with His disciples. That night, the Teacher taught them the principle of humble service by washing their dirty feet (vv. 14–15). If He was willing to do the lowly job of washing a dozen men’s feet, they too should joyfully serve others.

Every avenue of service we encounter may look different, but one thing’s the same: there’s great joy in serving. The purpose behind acts of service isn’t to bring praise to the ones performing them, but to lovingly serve others while directing all praise to our humble, self-sacrificing God.

Reflect & Pray
When has someone unexpectedly offered to help you with a difficult task? Why is humility such an important aspect of serving others?

Loving Saviour, thank You for showing me how to be a servant.

Note:

When I say "servant", I mean helping others and being humble. Do not have too much pride and make sure to praise God. If you are trapped in an abusive or controlling relationship, please call the police. Do not suffer in silence.

 

[SisterGiselle]

Bible in a Year :
Genesis 43–45 , Matthew 12:24–50

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:15

On Charley and Jan’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, they shared breakfast at a café with their son Jon. That day, the restaurant was understaffed with just a manager, cook and one teenage girl who was working as hostess and waitress. As they finished their breakfast, Charley turned to his wife and son and said, “Do you have anything important going on in the next few hours?” They didn’t.

So, with permission from the manager, Charley and Jan began washing dishes in the back of the restaurant while Jon started clearing the cluttered tables. According to Jon, what happened that day wasn’t really that unusual. His parents had always set an example of Jesus who “did not come to be served (by others), but to serve (others)” (Mark 10:45).

In John 13, we read about the last meal Christ shared with His disciples. That night, the Teacher taught them the principle of humble service by washing their dirty feet (vv. 14–15). If He was willing to do the lowly job of washing a dozen men’s feet, they too should joyfully serve others.



Every avenue of service we encounter may look different, but one thing’s the same: there’s great joy in serving. The purpose behind acts of service isn’t to bring praise to the ones performing them, but to lovingly serve others while directing all praise to our humble, self-sacrificing God.



Reflect & Pray
When has someone unexpectedly offered to help you with a difficult task? Why is humility such an important aspect of serving others?

Loving Saviour, thank You for showing me how to be a servant.

Jesus gave us a wonderful example of a humble attitude when washing the feet of His disciples. Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you in due time. James 4.10