The Example to Follow

Lesson #212

We now get to the foot washing application. “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” (John 13:14 – 15 ESV). Jesus washed the disciple's feet as an illustration of humility and in that culture the willingness to do good to strangers and travelers. He was also setting up a teaching example for the disciples. It was not to establish a custom to be performed by Christians later. In rare circumstances it can, however, be effective today as in my experience in the underground school in China. I believed the Lord planned this to teach his disciples about humble love and the need of purity. We are to be willing to humble ourselves to perform all sorts of services when the opportunity exists or necessity calls.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:16 ESV). Truly, truly, is a way of saying what follows is important and needs our attention. Two examples are given for our consideration. In our western culture we would understand that the one who serves is not greater than the one being served, but if you look to areas outside the western culture you might see a different application. We may see this as a difference in rank, but it may relate more to experience. Consider 1 Peter 2:20 – 21: “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (ESV). Jesus never sinned, but yet he was willing to suffer and die on the cross for us, leaving us an example. As his servants we cannot be greater than he by not suffering. As his servants (as his sheep) we will follow him and if this means suffering and maybe dying, even if falsely accused, then that is the path we must travel. Our love for him requires our obedience to follow in his steps. This is so clearly seen in those who face persecution and can face their persecutors with love and forgiveness. This is the example Jesus left for us.

The second example is closely related and is about the one who is sent with a message. Again, I question whether we are talking about rank or about what we do? Jesus was sent by his Father with a message and a work to do to purchase our salvation. That message cost him his life. Jesus, as our example, gave us a message to deliver and those who faithfully do very often face persecution. Jesus continued to share the message from the Father until his life was taken and if we follow in his steps we must share the message until our physical life ends. To not be obedient conveys an attitude of pride, putting us above our sender and in a position to be put down in shame. I personally know Christians who have the message of the gospel and are compelled to share it even if it means their life. I know a young lady who was being tortured who continued to share God’s love and forgiveness until she was beaten unconscious. When she gained consciousness she found her persecutor on his knees before her asking Jesus into his life. Her obedience of love and faithfulness broke his heart, causing him to now be persecuted along with her.

Prayer

Father, how is it possible for one to love and forgive the one who is torturing you? It appears the key is found in 1 Peter 2:23: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (ESV). Father, testimonies I read reveal that when suffering occurs, if retribution is left in your hands those being persecuted are then set free to love and forgive their persecutors providing a most powerful witness that draws many to Jesus Christ in salvation. Father, we desperately need to understand this if we are to stand in the face of persecution when it comes and humbly submit as to washing their feet.