John 13:1-17, 31b-35
These verses focus on a moment during the Last Supper when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Initially, Peter was skeptical and unwilling to allow Jesus to do such a thing. It was difficult to imagine Jesus in a servant role. But Jesus insisted, saying, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Jesus was imparting an important message to his disciples that true leadership is found in serving others. The washing of his disciples’ feet symbolizes the spiritual cleansing that is offered to all who believe in Him.
One of the things I love most about Southwood is the number of volunteer opportunities we offer. You can serve at the church, in the community, or at one of our sister churches. I appreciate being part of a church that follows Jesus’ teachings of servant leadership.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be on several teams that traveled to Honduras. Every time we would go, my thought was, “oh, we are going down there to serve and support the residents of La Ceibita to benefit their lives." But every time we returned, I felt like it was me who received the most benefit from the experience. My emotional bucket was full from spending the week meeting people with such unconditional love for and faith in God. Each time I would return I would tell myself to take what I witnessed and apply it to my own life. I would for a while but eventually we fell back into our old routines again.
Some moments and memories stick out more than others. One powerful memory was the time Haley Janssen suggested our team wash the feet of the elders of the church. You see, they spent all that week taking care of our needs, making sure we were fed well, and assisting us with our activities. So, on our last day in La Ceibita, we surprised them. We had set up a row of chairs in the church with pans of water and towels. When they realized what was happening, a few of them were reluctant to sit down. They had always taken on the role of servant, and it was hard for them to be the recipient of such service. But once they settled in, it was a moment of my life I’ll never forget. The room was perfectly silent, except for the sniffles of those in tears. My whole family was on the trip; what a truly powerful experience to share with your children. It created a bond amongst both teams that we will not lose. Afterward, there were lots of hugs and expressions of thanks and appreciation. I feel like they didn’t feel worthy of such treatment. But Jesus told his disciples to always serve all people and in all places. In John 13:14-17 says, “If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you use your time and talents to follow Jesus’ teachings to serve one another?
- How do you feel after an opportunity to serve?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for setting such a powerful example for us to follow in not only serving others but doing so with humility. Thank you for putting so many opportunities in my life to help. Thank you for creating such a wonderful place in Southwood where we can use our time and talents to follow in your ways. In your name we pray, Amen.
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