When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 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. 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. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:12-17)
While you are a prince or princess in the truest sense, you are also God’s chosen servant. Just as your King of Kings came to sacrifice Himself for you, He calls you to humble servant-hood out of love for Him and others. You are not greater than your Master but are called to follow His example of humility and perfect love. Ironically, true joy comes when you put the needs of others before your own. “If you know these things, blessed [or happy] are you if you do them.”
Study it Out
Read the following passages slowly and meditate on the truths found within. You may want to commit one or more passages to memory.
John 13:3-7, 12-17; Philippians 2; 1 Corinthians 13
Be sure to respond to God as He reveals or reminds you of truth about Himself. Every time you read God’s Word, God’s Spirit is inviting you to enter into a conversation with Him. Breathe in His truth with a humble, teachable heart, and breathe out your response of praise, thanksgiving, confession, and repentance as is fitting.
Corresponding Image
Each truth given corresponds with one of the images in the original Identity of Christ design. These are available as downloadable coloring sheets or downloadable, customized prints that can be hung as decor in your home or office.
The servant’s hand pictured with a towel should remind you of Jesus Christ, your Servant King washing dirty feet out of humble love and sacrifice. You are privileged to serve others out of this same sacrificial love.