A Year 4 Transformation: Day 98-Humble Yourself by Serving Others

Passage of the Day:

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. ² The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 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. ⁶ He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” ⁷ Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” ⁸ “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” ⁹ “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” ¹⁰ Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” ¹¹ For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean, John 13:1-11.

Reflection:

If you have watched the very first episode of the Chosen, Season One, you can see the rigid rules that devout Jews were forced to follow. Since most individuals in the first century either walked barefoot outside or owned a pair of sandals, ankles, feet and toes collected dirt, dust and sand. Prior to entering a Jewish home, shoes were left outside as the homeowner would wash the feet of guest to ensure everyone was ceremonial clean. While the room Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover in was provided to them, Jesus humbled himself by washing the feet of all 12 disciples. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus spent the last 3 years of His life serving other people.

Prayerful Action:

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28.

Retracing Your Steps:

The only time I actively think about serving others is during Thanksgiving and Christmas, helping out to wash dishes and or clear the table so that my parents can have a chance to rest. Perhaps, human nature is to blame, putting self-centered thoughts into my mind throughout my life. Although I have attended service projects in my past, service should be a weekly emphasis with eyes eagerly watching for opportunities to serve others. This is the mentality that Jesus possessed throughout his earthly life which enable Him to humbly serve mankind.

Song of the Day:

There may be people in life that you’ll feel uncomfortable with humbling yourself to and serving. Yet, God calls Christians to love and to serve anyone in need. May the lyrics of the Song of the Harlot speak to your heart and inspire you to become an active servant in your community.

by Jay Mankus