Riélle Heine

“You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am.  I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another's feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you.  John 13:13-15

Jesus and his disciples were at supper when he got up, took off his outer garment, tied a towel around his waist, took a basin and washed and dried the disciples’ feet. Jesus knew that he had little time left with his disciples. So little time and so many things that he had to tell them. So Jesus uses the best way possible to get the message across: he adds the action to the word, he sets the example, he takes the role of a servant and washes his friends' feet. By doing something practical, Christ teaches his church to serve.

What also struck me in this situation with Jesus and his disciples is that there appears to be no real emergency or crisis, but that in the normal course of their being together Christ found a chance to serve. To be in the service of others is not simply helping out in charity situations, with underprivileged people for example. Christ's command applies to all our relationships, all our interactions.

Ferdinand Deist wrote in his collection of essays, “Woorde van Hoop” (Words of Hope), that in Christian self-image, there is no room for pride, "The glory and greatness of the believer is shown by his willingness to serve, even if he holds a position of power. Surrounding each type of service is the glow given to it by the following of Christ."

If we as believers can remain faithful to this mission, if we daily live by the example of servant hood, then the world will began to change drastically. Let's start in our own families and within our own circles of friends and colleagues.

Prayer: Lord, you set the example of how I should act and serve. On the face of it, it looks really easy if I think about the group of disciples around you so many years ago. But please help me today, Lord, here at work and with my family when stress builds and emotions run high. Help me then to show an attitude of love and to continue to serve. Amen