the example to follow

Saturday morning I sat on my back porch wondering how to know if I am truly serving God. Of course trying to constantly adhere to man’s laws can drive a person crazy.  The stillness of Saturday morning made for an idea time to put aside the craziness of conversation and dig into God’s Word for an answer.

What I ended up was definitely an answered prayer.  These words ended the description of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13:15 NIV)”.

Jackpot!

On previous reading of this passage I thought it was simply to show that Jesus had to know who He was out of this world do what He had to in this world.  Now as a new picture comes into focus.  There were distinct action steps Jesus had to take to be of full service.

“Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.  So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin.  Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. (John 13:3-5 NLT).

Did you see that?

Jesus….

* GOT UP (He rose to the occasion)

* FROM the table where he was (He made a change in his position)

* TOOK OFF his robe (He took off his “dress clothes”)

* WRAPPED a towel around  (Put on his “work clothes”)

* POURED water into the basin (He got his supplies)

* BEGAN (He got started)

* WASHED feet (He had an aim,  purpose, goal)

* DRIED feet with the towel (He remembered to use his “work clothes”)
Wow!  I am so into this example for us from Christ.  So much so that I think I’m going to post a series on word studies on it.  Stay tuned.