“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:14
Imagine King Charles III, the monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms, stepping down from his throne, removing his royal robes, and taking on the role of a servant to care for his people. While this seems almost unimaginable, it pales in comparison to what Jesus did. Though fully God, He chose to embrace humility and service instead of power and prestige, demonstrating the true essence of greatness. Through His sacrifice, He offered us the ultimate gift—salvation (Matthew 23:11-12, Philippians 2:5-11).
Jesus exemplified humility and service during His earthly ministry and taught us to do the same. John 13:3-5 shows us how Jesus laid aside His garments, took a towel, girded Himself, and bent down to wash the feet of His disciples. And when He was done washing their feet, He commanded them to do the same for one another henceforth (John 13:12-15). Jesus commands us to follow His example and commit to the service of others, for service is greatness in God’s kingdom (Matthew 20:26-28, Philippians 2:5-11)
The culture of God’s Kingdom is shaped and guided by His commandments. As His people, we are called to live in service to one another, for this is His command (Philippians 2:3-4). God has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins (Colossians 1:13). He also reminds us that this freedom is not meant to fulfil selfish desires but to serve one another through love, for this is the true way of His Kingdom (Galatians 5:13).
The Bible teaches us several practical ways to serve one another as we have been instructed. We can serve others with our gifts and talents (1 Peter 4:10-11). Interestingly, the gifts that God has endowed each of us with are not given to us for self-advancement but to be dispensed as gifts to others in service to them. These gifts are given for the edification of the Church which is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:1-30, Ephesians 4:11-13).
Furthermore, we can serve others through our prayers, support and encouragement (1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). When we Pray for others, support, and encourage them, we are giving expression to our reality as supplying joints, contributing to the growth and edification of the entire body (Ephesians 4:15-16). We can also serve others by giving generously and caring for the vulnerable (Proverbs 22:9, James 1:27), giving our best at work and honouring authority (Colossians 3:22-24).
Finally, serve diligently with the mindset that you are serving the Lord and not man (Colossians 3:23, Matthew 25:40). Hence, as you go through this year, ensure that you are not found wanting in service – both to God and to people – because it pleases the Lord and it is also good for your soul.
Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 16-18; Matthew 20:17-34