My thoughts about the verses:
You have to understand that during this time people wore sandals. The sand would cake on their feet as they traveled. The custom was for the host to clean the feet of those in attendance. Jesus becomes the servant to exhibit what we must do for the world.
He then challenges those in attendance to wash the feet of each other. This is a way of humbling yourself and to take on a different role. To be a good leader you must be willing to help those that you are leading. A good leader does what they expect their team to do. Jesus teaches us that a true follower of Christ will desire to help the people around us. No matter if they are friend or foe. Being a servant to Jesus is putting your own needs aside and focusing on the needs of those around you.
Most people in this day and time have never had the opportunity to perform this task. I feel blessed at being in at a Church which this occurs each year. During our Maundy Thursday service the Pastor and Deacons wash the feet or hands of the congregation members as a way of showing a true servant heart. The congregation can then take turns cleaning each other’s feet or hands if they so desire. This allows the congregation a chance to exhibit trust and service to each other.
A servant heart is what led me to the role of being a Deacon. In fact, the entire role of a deacon is to be a servant to Jesus. To be that servant you have to be a servant to the community. For me I have learned that obstacles happen, that change the way you do things. I have lost a lot in the last few years. Yet, the one thing I haven't lost is my servant heart.
A servant heart is something that you just don't wake up one day and have. It is a feeling that blossoms as you grow closer to God. It is a desire to help others in a way that goes beyond the physical. It goes to the spiritual side of life. A desire so intense that you must serve others to truly feel you are being true to yourself. The only way to feel successful is to be there for others. This is my interpretation of a servant heart.
So what is the lesson we can learn. First do not consider your role more important than the task that you can perform. It isn't a title that you should desire when you take on leadership roles in the name of God. Instead you should desire to help others with what you have. God will only call you to do the things that you can do. God will provide a way for you to do what you are called to do. It may different from the way others could do the same task, but through God and faith you will be able to perform many tasks that benefit the risen Savior.
Secondly, it is important to allow others the opportunity to provide service. It isn't a one man show when it comes to serving God. There will be others that are called and you should encourage them to participate. In actuality if you feel the servant heart you will be led to help others find their servant heart. Through your leadership others will take on tasks that help others. The things that they do may be completely different from what you do. Yet, when people see someone living with a heart of servant hood they will be inspired to help others.
The third lesson is often the hardest for people. This is due to our own human nature. That is to be a servant to your foes as well as your friends. It is not enough to provide help to those that you love and care for. You must follow God's lead and help those that may be against you. You also need to be a servant to those that are strangers to you. Now you might not do the same thing that you would do for a friend for your own safety. Yet, someone that has a true servant heart will feel led to help all in need. Prayer is a mighty thing. Sometimes that is what is needed for those that stand against you or for those that you do not even know. Showing a heart of compassion is the greatest way of changing the world.
Prayer:
Dear God we want to thank you for showing us your servant heart. Thank you for being the greatest servant by putting our needs before your own. Dear God we ask that you help us not to be afraid to be the servant you have called us to be. We ask that you guide us and help us be good servants for our community. Fill us with the desire to help others. In your holy name we pray. Amen
Questions:
Do you have the heart of a servant? Can you put aside your own desires for those in need? Are you willing to lead by example? What do you need to do today to help those around you?
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