The Perfect Example

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He makes it clear that the Kingdom of God does not look like what we would think or expect. I believe that He continues showing us this in John 13 when He washes the feet of the disciples. 
I’ve seen a few weddings where the man and woman being wed wash each other's feet. In fact, my husband and I had talked about doing this at our own wedding. We bought a beautiful basin and pitcher to use at the foot-washing ceremony. Though never physically used, it sits on our bedroom floor to this day. It serves as a reminder that our marriage is to be a reflection of Jesus: Serving one another, putting the other above yourself. When we are both seeking the Lord and living in this mindset, it can be “simple” or “easy” in a lot of ways. But it’s pretty easy to love someone who loves you back, isn’t it? Once again, this is where Jesus shows us that His Kingdom is set apart.

In Matthew 5:43-48 He says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:43-48‬ ‭ESV‬‬
By washing the disciple's feet, He brings these verses to life. John 13 tells us that right after Jesus begins washing their feet, He predicts Judas’ betrayal and also knows that Peter will deny Him. Yet, He washed their feet anyway. Jesus didn’t wash the feet of only those who “loved” Him but washed even those who would turn against Him that very night. It turns out that each one of the disciples abandoned Jesus in His darkest hour. But He washed their feet anyway. True love, true servanthood, is doing for others what they cannot return to you. It is serving each other with love even when hate is given back.

Each one of us, you and me, left to our own devices, are enemies of Christ. Yet, while we were still sinners, enemies of God, Jesus not only washed our feet but fully cleansed us, showing His love through servanthood by dying on the cross and rising from the dead for us. Romans 5:6-8 says “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person, one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ESV

‭‭As Jesus concludes washing the feet of His disciples, He says in John 13:14-15 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” Therefore, He commands the disciples, as well as you and me, to love one another through love, through serving, and through surrender. Through putting others before ourselves and through loving in spite of what another has done or will do. 
Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted as saying “It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.” I appreciate that Jesus perfectly lived out exactly what He has called each of us to do.