Jesus’ Example

Jesus told his disciples that he did not come to be served but to serve.  That is a fascinating statement to me.  He was God.  He sacrificed so much to become man for the purpose of dying on the cross for our mistakes. He performed many miracles and taught the multitudes amazing truth concerning the Kingdom of God.  Yet, he did not set around lazily and expect everyone to cater to his every need.  Serving others was his natural way of relating to the people around him.

The disciples were products of their culture and they had humbly left behind careers and family to make Jesus their Rabi.  Because of this they were never comfortable with Jesus humbling himself in such a way. As they entered into the Upper Room to prepare to take the Passover Meal Jesus wrapped a towel around his waste and washed their feet.  They were not comfortable at first but gave in to Jesus’ insistence.

With such a beautiful expression of submission and a life long example of sacrifice that ended with the greatest sacrifice on the cross, how could we not be people who serve others.  Paul tells us in Philippians 2 to have the same attitude as Christ who humbled himself to the point of death.  Let us not be guilty of using those around us to make our lives easier.  Let us sacrifice our own rights and comforts in order to serve them in the name of Jesus.  We bear his name.  Let us follow his example.