The Example He Gave

I went to my first-ever foot washing service. As we know from the Bible, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Back then, before entering homes, someone - most likely a servant - would wash the feet of those who entered, because people walked on dirt roads wearing sandals.

After the disciples were boasting about who was the greatest, the moment came for someone to be of service. No one offered… except Jesus. The Creator of the universe got down on His knees to serve. When you really sit with that, isn’t there something so profound about the way He leads us? He truly is the greatest, yet He leads through service.

We are called to be like Jesus and serve as He did, but first we must put away our pride, our attitudes, and our ideas of what we consider “lowly” work. The lesson Jesus taught me here is about how we serve others - by leading with humility and prioritizing the needs of others above our own.

Did you know that Peter didn’t want Jesus to wash his feet? He said, “You shall never wash my feet!” But Jesus answered him plainly, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8)

This moment was significant because it happened just before the Last Supper. Imagine if one of the disciples hadn’t been present that day. This act symbolized more than just washing feet - it represented true humility and spiritual cleansing. It wasn’t only physical; it was deeply spiritual. It symbolized the washing away of sin.

Once Peter understood this, he wanted his hands and his head washed too.

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to take part in something Jesus Himself did. I prayed and washed my fellow sister in Christ’s feet, humbling myself before God and allowing Him to use me in what felt like an underrated but powerful teachable moment. Out of all the churches I’ve attended over the years, this was a first for me. I don’t recall this often-overlooked act being spoken about much, if at all.

I’m so grateful to have been a witness to this experience - because it’s in moments like these that we learn lessons hidden in plain sight.

“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
- John 13:14–15

My prayer is that, whether in your home or in a church, you too may experience what the Lord has given us as an example for one another - that true leadership is about serving others with humility, even in small or uncomfortable ways. Let go of pride and walk in the way the Lord leads you, amen.