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 13:14-15)
Jesus clearly intends for us to follow the example he sets when washing the disciples feet. This is unlikely to be by ceremonial foot washing but in the radical, shocking, humble act of service. The christian community should look completely different to the world around it when it comes to service. Like Jesus' foot washing, our service should be:
- humble - we are not too big for any task
- motivated by love - not manipulation or trying to earn favour
- redefining greatness and leadership - looking to serve not to be served
- including our enemies
"it is disgraceful that, when no Jew ever has to beg, and the impious Galileans [Christians] support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us.”