“The heraldic badge of the Prince of Wales bears the simple watchword, ‘I serve,’ and no more princely motto can be found. We cannot determine whether our faces shall be beautiful or ugly, our bodies graceful or deformed. But the shaping of our life is in our own hands. We make that great or small, noble or mean, as we will. The motto, ‘I serve,’ always betokens real power and lasting authority. More, it is a truly Christian motto and proclaims eternal kinship with the highest.”
– George Henry Hubbard (Leaves of Gold, pg. 121)
How about a little pop quiz? Don’t worry, we won’t publicly post grades. In fact, it’s not the kind of quiz with absolute right and wrong answers, but more of an opinion survey. Are you ready? What is the greatest thing Jesus ever did with water?
(Pause for you to respond)
Okay, what was your answer? Maybe you said, “walk on it.” That’s a great answer! It surely astonished his friends when they saw him strolling across the surface of the Sea of Galilee. Or perhaps your answer was, “turn it into wine.” That’s a great answer too! He certainly blessed the people at the Cana wedding, and left a permanent impression on the event host who first tasted the wine. Now may I suggest my answer? I think the greatest thing Jesus ever did with water was…wash feet.
I know, the answer lacks the expected climactic tone. At least the other answers fall into the miracle category. Hardly so with washing feet. Nevertheless, consider how impactful it was for those who received the act. Peter wouldn’t have flinched at the feel of someone washing his feet, but must have jerked back half in terror when realizing it was Jesus. We may not call foot washing a miraculous act, but Jesus’ choice to do it offers us a beautiful example with world-changing potential.
Consider what Jesus told his disciples after washing their feet. “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. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:14-17).
Did you catch that? YOU will be blessed—not to mention those on the receiving end of your service. Why will you be blessed? Very simple. In sacrificial service, you partake of eternal kinship with the Lord. “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Take the same mantle upon yourself, and Jesus is your kindred brother. Surely he will bless those who walk the servant path with him.
See you along the Winding Path.
The Winding Path 