Scripture:
“When He had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He resumed His place and said to them, ‘Do you know 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.’” — John 13:12-14 (ESV)
Introduction:
The question Jesus asks here is profound: “Do you know what I have done to you?” It wasn’t just about the physical act of washing feet but a call to understand the deeper spiritual meaning. This moment is both a lesson and an example for the disciples—and for us today.
1. The Humility of Christ
- Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator of all things, stooped to wash the feet of His disciples—a task reserved for the lowest servant in the household.
- Philippians 2:7-8: “He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…”
- Jesus demonstrated that true leadership and greatness come through humility and servanthood.
Application:
- How often do we struggle with pride? Jesus reminds us to humble ourselves in service to others.
- Challenge yourself to serve, even when the task seems lowly or inconvenient.
2. The Example of Selfless Service
- Jesus not only washed the feet of Peter, who would later deny Him, but also Judas, who would betray Him.
- His love and service were not conditional on their behavior or worthiness.
- This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice He would make on the cross—serving humanity by giving His life.
Application:
- Are there people in your life who are hard to love or serve? Jesus calls us to follow His example, serving even those who may not deserve it in our eyes.
3. The Call to Follow His Example
- Jesus says, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
- The disciples were being prepared for a mission: to reflect Jesus in their words, actions, and attitudes.
- This command isn’t about performing a specific ritual but embodying a lifestyle of humility, love, and service.
Application:
- Who are you serving today?
- How can you reflect Christ’s love in your family, workplace, church, and community?
4. The Power of Knowing What Jesus Has Done
- Jesus’ question, “Do you know what I have done to you?” invites reflection. Do we truly grasp the depth of His love and sacrifice?
- Recognizing what Jesus has done for us transforms our hearts, leading us to love and serve others with gratitude and joy.
- 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”
Application:
- Spend time reflecting on what Jesus has done in your life.
- Allow that gratitude to overflow into acts of service and kindness to others.
Conclusion:
Jesus’ question to His disciples is the same question He asks us today: “Do you know what I have done to you?”
- He has shown us humility through His actions.
- He has modeled selfless love and service.
- He has called us to live out His example in our daily lives.
Let us respond to His question with understanding and action—serving others in humility and love as Christ has served us.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the example of humility and love that Jesus demonstrated. Help us to truly understand what You have done for us and to live out that understanding in service to others. Teach us to follow Your example daily, reflecting Your love to a world in need. Amen.
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