“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” – John 13:3-5
The power of this moment isn’t just that our Lord and Savior willingly did a yucky job before commanding us to do the same for each other. It isn’t just that Jesus voluntarily did work that was beneath the lowest slave of the day. It isn’t just that the teacher washed the feet of His students and said because I did this, there’s nothing “beneath” you. It’s that Jesus did it confident in the knowledge that everything had been given into His hands. Jesus washed grimy feet because He knew He’d come from God and soon would be back in heaven with God. He had no concerns for how other people thought of Him and He had no pride He needed to protect from indignity.
It’s because Jesus was absolutely confident in His authority that He was able to be humble and vulnerable in serving His disciples. As His followers, we need to humbly work from that same confidence. We’re also headed to be with the Father one day. We also have blessings and honor bestowed upon us. We are in union with Christ, indwelt by God’s Spirit, and given authority to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. With that confidence, we’re empowered to do all sorts of work that’s “beneath” us. We’re empowered to be vulnerable and humble in loving and serving others.
As a follower of Jesus, your exalted status sets you free to minister in the darkest, lowest situations and to love those who are most neglected, abused, and ignored. As an heir of God the Father, you don’t need to concern yourself with displays of status. You can simply love and serve others. Whatever it takes, wherever it leads. What is the “foot-washing” work that Jesus has called you to? Are you doing it? Or are you holding back out of fear for your reputation, status, or cleanliness? In Christ, you’re already clean, so go ahead and get dirty for Jesus! #FollowJesus