The Humble Servant
John 13:12-17 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, 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 should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Dear Readers, As you have read from the scripture at the beginning of this post, we are called to serve. Even the mighty King of Kings bowed down and humbled Himself in service. One of the lowliest jobs a servant or slave could perform at the time John 13 was written was the washing of guests feet. People wore sandals then and their feet were often filthy from walking. When the guest was considered important or honored, the lady of the house would humble herself and do the task herself as a sign of great respect. It was unheard of for a King to perform such a task, let alone the King of all Kings, the Lord God. Jesus has always led by example. He came to earth – not with a crown of gold, dressed in fine linen. No sir! He was incarnated as an ordinary human being. He grew up as a common laborer. He was born in an animal pen, not a palace. The most powerful being in existence lived a humble life as a lesson to us. There was nothing remarkable about Jesus, the fleshly man; but spiritually, He was and is beyond measure.
As I sit here on my 40th day in state prison (all of which has been spent in solitary confinement) and I read how humble the Lord is, I feel compelled to serve Him even more. I have been teaching what I can out in the recreation cages which I am allowed in for one hour a day. I have also been spreading the gospel through my cell door and of course, writing this blog, but it is not enough. Indeed, the worst part about being in solitary is not being able to help more inmates; not being able to fellowship and attend church. It has caused me great despair and sadness. (more…)