Monday nights are typically our family night with our son and his family. I make a big meal and we sit around the table sharing stories, conversation about the Lord and sometimes we play board games. But something else has become a tradition. Our grandchildren are given assigments in serving. Before we eat they are responsible to set the table. After dinner two of them help papa take the trash out.
Tuesday mornings are when the trash men come to collect the trash so on Monday nights we to take all the trash bins out to the curbside. We make it fun by putting all the plastic bottles under our granddaughter’s arms (as many as she can fit) as well as what papa can put in her hands to max out her efforts. When she comes through the house to go out to the bins we all start laughing because her facial expressions are to die for. Now her little brother wants to get in on it too. This will always be a sweet memory and I’m sure it will be added to the Wilburn storybook when the grands are grown. But I also can’t help but see a spiritual lesson in servanthood.
Let’s revisit John 13:4 “So He (Jesus) got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.
Jesus’ actions here are deliberate and symbolic, setting the stage for a profound teaching moment. The act of getting up signifies a transition from fellowship to service, highlighting Jesus’ role as a servant leader. By laying aside His outer garments, Jesus symbolically sets aside His position and authority, expressing humility and servitude. As we read the rest of the passage Jesus washes to disciples feet. After having done so listen to what He says in verses 14-15, So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.
This example is not just about the physical act of washing feet but embodies the broader principle of serving others selflessly. Jesus’ life consistently demonstrated this principle, as seen in Phil 2:5-8, where He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross.
The phrase “so that you should do” challenges every believer to a call to action. It emphasizes the importance of not just understanding Jesus’ teachings but actively living them out. The culture of that time placed a high value on honor and status. This made Jesus’ call to serve others countercultural and extreme. This seems so basic and it is. Jesus commanded believers to adopt a lifestyle of humility and service, reflecting His heart in their daily life.
I can’t help but observe how the mentality of service and selflessness given to our Lord has become an afterthought in the church culture today. Recently I saw online a promo invitation for a Christian women’s weekend event. I looked through the breakout groups and what they would be discussing. They were offering professional advice on how to write a captivating resume, building your small business, enhancing your social media outreach etc. I thought for a moment I had clicked on the wrong page. But no, this was a Christian women’s Conference.
I’m not criticizing these topics that can prove helpful for business women. But I am seeing an emphasis that is running through our churches. Self empowerment, and love of self first over service and sacrifice. Churches are absorbing the spirit of the age in attempts to appeal to a new set of priorities among God’s people. We are called to make disciples of Christ. Teaching, admonishing and encouraging them to continue to build their lives on a biblical world view.
I’ve been reading a biography on Lilias Trotter. She was a missionary in Algeria in the 1800’s. She shared how one of her missionary companions was suffering with depression. After a long bout of darkness and introspection a light shone in her heart. She immersed herself into her calling! She realized that service was her remedy. Yes, her mission work became her outlet to joy and a renewed sense of purpose. We are not all called to be missionaries, but we are all called to be servants. Whether we have a full time job, or are stay at home moms.
As we give our grandchildren opportunities to think not only about themselves, I hope they are learning to live outside of themselves. I can think of no better way to emulate our relationship with our Jesus but by following in His steps.
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