“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:4,5).
TEXT — John 13:1-11
Message
Billy Graham once shared a story about a black man who entered a church in Richmond, Virginia during communion after the Civil War. The congregation was shocked and angry until a distinguished man, Robert E. Lee, knelt beside him, setting an example of unity and compassion. Inspired by his actions, the congregation followed suit, showing acceptance and respect to all. This story demonstrates the power of leading by example and embracing diversity.
Today’s text reveals Christ as our all-time Model and Example. His humility is unique and unequalled. The first three verses reveal His deity as the Son of God, His unrivalled affection for His own (disciples), the unimpressive covert betrayal plot of one of the chosen apostles uncovered by the Lord, and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father’s mandate. It was epoch-making when the Lord of all creation stooped to wash His disciples’ feet. The greatest of all teachers has illustratively sent the message home! The need to serve and not to be served. They learned no better way that true greatness is found in self-abasement to honour others, not self. Faithful followers of the Master should be willing followers in humility and self-denial.
Every day we have opportunities to show our love for Jesus by serving others, just as He did by washing the feet of His disciples. Engaging cheerfully in menial tasks at church, supporting the less privileged, caring for the elderly, sick, and vulnerable church members, and praying for our leaders are some ways we can demonstrate our love for Jesus. Visiting those in need, supporting widows, and guiding new believers are all ways to follow Jesus’ example of serving others and showing love for Him.
Our desire as Christians should be as captured, briefly in the hymn’s refrain by Thomas Obadiah Chisholm: O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. We should all pray that we would be like our Master and Saviour so that our lives and conduct will exude His likeness and many will be brought to His saving knowledge.
Thought for the day
If we live no exemplary life, it means we’ve learned nothing from Christ’s example.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
