3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John tells us that Jesus knew the Father had placed all things under His power. What did Jesus do with that knowledge? He took a towel and washed feet.
Jesus was secure enough to stoop. He did not need status to prove His significance. Because He knew who He was, He was free to serve.
Insecurity often makes us protective of position. We want recognition, defend our importance and avoid tasks that seem beneath us. But Jesus shows us that no act of service is beneath a person who knows they belong to God.
The towel is one of the great symbols of Christian leadership. Authority in the kingdom is not an opportunity to be noticed; it is a responsibility to notice others.
We become most like Jesus not when people applaud our influence, but when our influence helps another person flourish.
What humble act of service might Jesus be placing before me today?
Lord Jesus, place your towel in my hands. Free me from the need to be noticed. Help me see the people around me and use whatever influence I possess for their good. Amen.
