Serving Others, Without Judging

Good Morning!! The night before Jesus' horrible trial and crucifixion, he took time to eat supper with his disciples and instruct them one final time. But after supper, he got up from the table, took a towel, poured water in a basin, and began to wash his own disciples' feet! Even the disciples, who had watched Jesus touch lepers and heal cripples and eat with sinners, were unprepared for this parting command and example. As a matter of fact, Peter was so taken back at the sight, that he insisted Jesus would never wash his feet.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.—John 13:14 (NIV)

The idea of his Lord and Master bowing in front of him and performing this menial service was unthinkable. After Jesus had completed the task, He said to them; "if I, who am your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, there is no pride or repulsion that should keep you from the same service." This service of washing one another's feet is clearly,  symbolizing more than just kind words, or pats on the back,...it means a willingness to exhort and encourage, and to when necessary admonish one another toward a holy life,...and to receive such exhortations ourselves, needed. It means a willingness to get our hands dirty, if need be, in order to help one another.

So the question now is; Are you shocked and offended, or are you inspired,...by our Lord and Savior, rolling up His sleeves and bowing down, to serve others?

Holy Spirit, help us get to the point, where there is nothing that we would not give or do, to help or care for our fellow-man. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"Genuine love is not just a feeling,...it's a decision to endure, even if others don't understand why."