The Forgetful Servant

Posted: 12 Mar 2012 01:00 AM PDT

By Jon Walker

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15 (NIV)

It’s near impossible to remain self-centered while serving the deep needs of another person. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition . . .” Paul says, “But in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 NIV).

Jesus set an example for us when he got up from the meal and then got down on his knees to wash his students’ feet (John 13:4–5).

Since people wore sandals or walked barefoot on dusty roads, they needed to clean their feet when they entered a house. Usually, the host would have a servant do the dirty chore, but Jesus assigned the service to himself, “taking the very nature of a servant . . .” (Philippians 2:7 NIV).

Menial was not beneath Jesus. He placed the needs of his students above his own, even as he approached his darkest hour.

Serving others requires forgetfulness on your part; you start by forgetting yourself (Matthew 10:39). “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14 NIV).

Ask God to show you one relationship that would be transformed if you emphasized the other person’s needs over your own. Like Peter walking on water, God will support you one step at a time.

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