“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” ~ Matthew 25:35-36
During the Last Supper, Jesus was breaking bread with his disciples in the Upper Room for what would be the final time before his betrayal and arrest. As they sat and fellowshipped together that evening, a spirited discussion began between the men concerning who among them was to be considered the greatest follower.
Now… keep in mind that just a few moments earlier while they were eating, the Bible says that Jesus took off his outer garments, wrapped a drying towel around his waste, and began gently washing each man’s feet with a bowl of water and his own hands. The men became quite dumbfounded at this incredible act of humility on display by the Messiah!
When Jesus moved over to wash Peter’s feet, he spoke up. “You are going to wash my feet?” Peter asked sarcastically, immediately replying, “Never!” Of course, Jesus essentially told him, “If you don’t allow me to wash your feet, you are not with me.” Recognizing that Jesus was genuinely serious in his request, Peter submitted.
After Jesus had finished the washing of their feet, he gathered himself and returned to his place at the table. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” Jesus asked. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (Matthew 26)
And here his disciples were, just minutes later, arguing with each other about who among them was the greatest! The nerve!
Clearly they had overlooked the significance of this incredible act of humility that Jesus displayed for them earlier, and not to mention that the most important event in all of mankind (his arrest and eventual crucifixion) was about to take place later that evening!
But who among us today, thousands of years later, cannot appreciate the enormous oversight of humility that those men ignored that evening in Jesus’ presence? How often it is that we also forget all about not only that example but countless others that Jesus demonstrated in his life regarding his service to others. He even offered his mission statement in Matthew 20:28, saying, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Friend, we all know someone who is going through a difficult time, or may need clothing to stay warm, or someone who might be hungry and doesn’t have money to buy food, or someone who needs a ride to an appointment. The needs around us are many! And sometimes these needy people reside in our own neighborhoods and communities! Do they know that we care about them? Or do they feel like they’re facing their challenges in this life alone?
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” ~ Matthew 25:40
How often do we get these opportunities to help? When they appear, are we too distracted to notice? Or do we recognize them and yet ignore them? Or do we embrace them by extending our hand in service and reflecting our true love for Christ?
Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for all that you provide me today. When I think about how much you have blessed me, how can I possibly remain selfish with my time and resources? You have never forsaken me; even during the seasons of drought when I had nothing, you provided exactly what I needed. You sent someone on your behalf to serve and help me during these challenging times, an angel in my time of distress. Lord, lead me to be generous and helpful today to someone else. I could never repay you for all that you’ve done for me, but with a thankful heart I can try to honor you by being of service to those around me in need. Help me to be more like you, Jesus. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 