You are no doubt familiar with the passage in the Gospel of John, chapter 17, where Jesus washes the disciples' feet. It is a moving display of humility and the object lesson illustrating Jesus' new commandment, "Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." (John 17:34)
"Do you know what I have done to you?" Jesus asked the disciples when he had finished washing their feet. It was a rhetorical question, for he goes on to say he has set an example for them. The menial task of washing feet represents servanthood. Jesus became the servant, the slave, of the disciples.
As a priviledged child of the 20th century, I wonder if I have ever really grasped the import of Jesus' model of servanthood. I tend to apply it by choice, and selectively, doing things for others as I feel motivated, and, truthfully, feeling pretty good about offering my service. But a true servant has no choice, and gets no credit. The maidservant and manservant of old were simply available to do what was asked or what was needed, all the time, no matter the inconvenience or their own preferences. They could not delay obedience, negotiate terms, show resentment, or expect rewards. Gee whiz, I don't think I reflect this attitude with Jesus Himself, much less with other believers.
Yet it is this servanthood that Jesus says shows our love. What manner of love is this, that is so thoroughly self-giving? Can we let such love move from the cross, where it is most starkly played out, into our own hearts and lives?
"For I have set you an example," Jesus said, "that you also should do as I have done to you."
