There once arose a dispute among the disciples, as to which of them should be considered the greatest (Luke 22:24). Jesus told them, “He who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves” (Matthew 22:26-27). Jesus stated how, in the world, the greatest is considered to be the person sitting at the head of the table; however, in the kingdom, the greatest is he who acts as a servant. Jesus also pointed to Himself as an example of servanthood.
Christians are expected to engage in service. Paul admonished the believers in Galatia, “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). However, believers will often get caught up in self-service, seeking honor and prestige in the world, and forget about their obligation. Jesus realized that believers would be tempted to tiptoe around service; so, He demonstrated a powerful act of servanthood in order to provide a visual representation as a reminder that would be difficult to forget. Today, we will closely examine Jesus’ visual aid concerning the mandate for service.
Jesus Relinquished Rights and Entitlement (vv. 3-5)
3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
The first thing that John stated is, “knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands” (v. 3). In the book of Luke, Jesus informed His disciples, “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father” (Luke 10:22a). Jesus, as Son of the heavenly Father and King, had every right to anything He could have ever wanted or needed, but He did not choose these things. Instead, He “laid aside His garments” and “girded Himself” (v. 4).
“Having taken off His outer garment, Jesus was left with His tunic, a shorter garment like a long undershirt.”(1) He took off his outer garment in readiness to work. In this time “slaves would be so dressed to serve a meal,”(2) revealing how Jesus assumed the position of a lowly servant. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul stated,
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).
In Philippians 2:7, the Greek word for “bondservant” is doulos, meaning, “slave.” In our primary text, Jesus relinquished His rights as the Prince of heaven, girded Himself as a servant, got down on His knees “poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded” (v. 5). The Inter Varsity Press New Testament Commentary states, “Jesus tied a linen cloth around His waist with which to dry their feet, obviously not what one would expect a master to do. A Jewish text says this is something a Gentile slave could be required to do, but not a Jewish slave.”(3)
Therefore, in assuming the position of a servant, Jesus was also performing the task of a Gentile slave; thus incurring great humiliation, not just humility. If you were to attend an old fashioned foot washing service, how much humility would it take for you to wash someone else’s feet? It takes humility to get down on one’s knees; but once you start washing you can feel embarrassed and humiliated. You would never expect the Son of a King to choose a position of humility, much less subject Himself to humiliation; and yet, Jesus did.
So, why did Jesus wash only their feet? People of this day and time wore sandals, and their feet would become dusty and dirty on long walks while traveling. It was customary that one need only wash his feet in order to be considered clean. For example, elsewhere Jesus stated, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean” (John 13:10). Can you imagine washing someone’s dirty, stinky feet? Many of us would refuse, thinking we are too good for something like that; however, Jesus did not allow feelings of entitlement to keep Him from serving others.
Jesus Said No One Is Too Great to Serve (vv. 12-17)
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
When Jesus had finished washing the disciples’ feet, He asked them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” (v. 12), or rather, “Do you understand the meaning of My actions, and My intentional example?” Jesus then began to elaborate on the prideful mindset He was trying to help them overcome.
He said, “You call me Teacher and Lord” (v. 13). The disciples had ascribed to Jesus titles of privilege and respect. John Gill states that Teacher and Lord “were dignified titles among the Jews, which they frequently gave to their doctors and men of learning.”(4) Many people today look up to those who have titles, and aspire to acquire such notoriety themselves, for the express purpose of being honored and recognized in the eyes of men. Just remember that “God did not save you to be a sensation. He saved you to be a servant.”(5)
Some people strive to acquire titles solely for power and entitlement. How many times have you met someone who has stated that they are studying for a higher educational degree, in order to climb the ladder in the company where they work? It is a pretty common endeavor today. Some people obtain higher titles and degrees in order to provide for family, which is honorable; however, some do it with the intention of having others serve them and grovel at their feet.
Once someone has obtained a higher title or position, he or she will be tempted to look down on those who “appear” lesser; those who work in lower positions of manual labor and grueling service. In Matthew 20:25, Jesus informed His disciples that those in higher positions like to abuse their power, and “lord it over them” and “exercise authority over them.” However, He continued to instruct them in Matthew 20, verses 26-28,
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:26-28).
Jesus said, “whoever desires to become great among you” and “whoever desires to be first among you” (Matthew 20:26, 27); meaning basically, “whoever desires to become a leader.” Many people are wanting to become a leader, either in the workforce or within the church; and a leader is often misunderstood as someone who takes control, demanding that people follow him, often barking out orders and using intimidation to achieve desired results. Jesus, however, said that if you want to become a leader, then you must first become a servant.
Kent Crockett states, “Being a servant doesn’t necessarily mean having a lowly position; it means having a lowly heart.”(6) He continues to elaborate, sharing an insightful personal story: “My wife and I went to a restaurant where the meanest waitress we had ever met was ‘serving’ us. She waited on us with the attitude, ‘My name is Grumpy, and I will be your waitress today. If you need something, you are just going to have to wait your turn. So don’t push me!’ She was in a servant’s position, but she didn’t have a servant’s heart.”(7)
If you are in a place of leadership or authority, then you must not look down on others. No matter what your position or office, and no matter what title or degree you hold, you are never better than anyone else. In fact those in lower positions are the legs that support the entire company, organization or fellowship, and everything would completely fall apart without them. Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 12:21-23,
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you;” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor (1 Corinthians 12:21-23).
Jesus was in the absolute highest position of leadership in the entire universe. He was called Teacher and Lord (John 13:13); and the word “Lord” is translated from the Greek word kurios, which was a title assigned to the Messiah and God Himself. Jesus was soon to be seated at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), being coequal with the Father, and sharing all authority with Him. Therefore, Jesus provided the ultimate example of servanthood as He washed the disciples feet; and especially when He chose to lay down His own life on the cross.
If the greatest leader of all had to become a servant, then “you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (v. 14). Jesus stated, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (v. 15).
Jesus continued to say, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (v. 17). Many of us “know” we should serve others, but how many of us “do” serve others? Knowing and doing, or theory and practice, are two separate things. There is a big difference between “head knowledge” and “heart knowledge.” What is in our mind must be translated to the heart before we will have the drive and motivation to actually put it into practice.
Our thoughts are transformed into action as we give the Holy Spirit permission and control to renew our minds in accordance with God’s will. Paul admonished, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Are you ready and willing to accept the leadership of the Holy Spirit, as He guides you in service unto others? Just remember that Jesus expects, and even mandates, that we humble ourselves to serve others.
Time of Reflection
In Matthew 23:11, Jesus declared, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Is it your desire to be considered great in the eyes of the Father? If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you are already seen as great, for the Father looks at you as the righteousness of God in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:21). Nevertheless, this does not exempt you from service. If you will be faithful to serve the Lord and others, then on the day you enter into heaven you will hear the Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant . . . Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21).
NOTES
(1) “John,” Inter Varsity Press New Testament Commentary, Bible Gateway: www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/John/Jesus-Washes-Disciples-Feet (Accessed August 4, 2011).
(2) Ibid.
(3) Ibid., the statement “a Jewish text says,” refers to Mekilta on Ex 21:2, citing Lv 25:39, 46.
(4) “John,” John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible, Bible Study Tools: www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/john-13-13.html (Accessed August 4, 2011).
(5) John E. Hunter, “Service,” The Quotable Christian: www.pietyhilldesign.com/gcq/quotepages/service.html (Accessed August 4, 2011).
(6) Kent Crockett, Making Today Count for Eternity (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2001), p. 129.
(7) Ibid., p. 129.
