Jesus didn’t just talk about service; he movingly modeled it. On the night before he was crucified, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. It was shocking—washing guests’ feet was usually the lowest ranking slaves’ work. Then Jesus told the disciples they were right to call him “Teacher” or “Lord.” His lesson for them (and us) was that by acting as a servant, he did not abdicate leadership, but redefined our ideas of glory and power. His life was guided by God’s standards, not earthly ones.

• John, a very precise writer, quoted Jesus saying, “I give up my life so that I can take it up again” (John 10:17). He used the same Greek words to describe Jesus “taking off” and “putting on” his robes before and after he washed the disciples’ feet. In what ways was Jesus’ action not just practical, but an acted-out parable of the way he would give himself for us on the cross? Have you ever had an experience in which acting humbly toward someone else felt almost like dying?
• John stressed that Jesus knew what Judas would do later, but still washed even Judas’ feet. Can you imagine the yearning in Jesus’ heart as he washed the betrayer’s feet? “Washing feet” was a practical act in a dusty land where people wore sandals. What are some practical ways you can serve another person that will tangibly make their life better? Who is God leading you to bless with a concrete act of service?