From Keven Williams

Serve as I Served

FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY AND SERVICE

It was one of those wet and miserable mornings – the kind where the rain just doesn't stop. A group of volunteers had gathered early to help clean up a community park after a flood. The ground was thick with mud, the kind that sticks to your boots and doubles your weight with every step.

Everyone was tired, cold and dirty. However, when the group returned to the meeting area for a brief break, they noticed something unusual. There, kneeling with a bucket of water, was Mike, the team leader – the one who had organised the whole event, written the safety plan and was supposed to be 'in charge'. He was quietly washing the mud off the boots of each volunteer as they came in.

At first, people protested: "No, you don't have to do that! We'll do it ourselves!" But he simply smiled and said, "You've spent the morning serving others. Let me serve you for a moment."

We read in John's Gospel, in Chapter 13, that Jesus was with his disciples at the Last Supper, which took place just before Jesus was arrested. During the meal, Jesus got up, took off his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist and began to wash the disciples' feet. This was a ritual often carried out by the lowest servant in the household. The disciples' feet would have been filthy from the dust and dirt from the gravel roads. Yet, here is Jesus – the Son of God, the Messiah – kneeling at their feet to serve them. It was an act of humility and service. The disciples were stunned at what Jesus was doing and questioned why he was doing it.

In John 13:15 (NLT), Jesus says,

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Even though Jesus was their teacher and Lord, he chose to serve them. He didn't just tell his disciples he loved them; he also showed them by washing their feet. This teaches us that we are to humble ourselves, as followers of Christ, and do as he did. It's much more than washing feet, though; it's about sacrificial love. It's having a posture of humility and service towards those in our world. Love for others isn't just expressed in words – it shows up, serving when no one wants to serve, just like the team leader, Mike, in my story. He humbly served by washing the muddy boots of the volunteers, practically demonstrating his service and love.

There are many examples in the Bible where Jesus teaches us to love sacrificially and serve others. He is calling us to do this today.

Reflection

• In your areas of influence and leadership, how can you find opportunities to show love through humility this week?
• Do you know someone like Mike, who constantly serves without recognition, and could use a friend to come alongside them and show them sacrificial love this week?
• This week, will you ask God to give you opportunities to take the time to truly listen to someone? No judgment, no advice – just curiosity, humility and love.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, thank you for who you are. Thank you for always setting an example for us to follow. Thank you for your guidance and teaching in life, which has helped us to learn to love those around us. May we have the humility and love that you show. Please help us to live as you lived. In your gracious name, we pray, Amen.