How would the world be different if we truly followed Jesus’ example?

The Last Supper. It’s a story we know well. Preparations had been made and the meal was already in progress when Jesus stood up, took off His outer garment, wrapped a towel around His waist, poured water into a basin, and began to wash His disciples’ feet.

Primarily a cultural custom and a sign of hospitality, a host would always provide a basin of water for guests to wash the dusty earth from their sandaled feet. The task of washing feet was always performed by a servant or the lowest ranking individual in a household as it was seen as a less than desirable task. In other words, no one would have volunteered for the job.

No wonder Peter objected to his rabbi – the most esteemed person in their group – washing his dirty, dusty feet. The Son of God, clothed in flesh, stooping to wash my feet? I can only imagine I would have objected, too!

This particular ritual on this particular night took on new significance because of the one performing it. When Jesus humbled Himself to do the very thing no one else at the table would have even considered, He demonstrated the importance of humility, servanthood, and love. He demonstrated that true greatness in His kingdom comes from serving others and not by exerting power. 

Jesus concluded the foot washing ritual with these words: “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” John 13:15.

Only once in all four New Testament gospels that detail Jesus’ earthly ministry does He explicitly state that He is leaving us an example. He made sure there was no room for misunderstanding. This was not a one time ritual or a way for Him to say goodbye to His disciples. He clearly intended that what they just witnessed and experienced served as an example. And as if to emphasize its importance, He gave them a direct command: Do as I have done to you.

In other words:

No act of service is beneath you.

Put others before yourself.

Take on the tasks others overlook.

Think less of yourself and more of others.

Serve those around you with humility.

We can’t afford to skip over the significance of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. It wasn’t just about Him on that specific night for that specific group of people. It was an example and directive for ALL believers. It was an example for us, right here and right now.

If we follow Jesus, we are called to live a life of humility and servanthood. Imagine what our world would look like if we took His example seriously.