“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.”
John 13:13-14

Philippians 4:8, written in 63 A.D., is a significant verse for Christians as it provides guidance on where to focus our thoughts and attitudes.

“Service” is a word with which we are all familiar, and as a noun or verb, we use the word frequently. “That was a nice memorial service.” “His service game needs to improve.” “Please service my car.”

The Apostle John was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and assisted in preparing the Last Supper. In John 13, the disciples spent their last time together before Christ died on the cross for us the next day. Their meal was wonderful; Jesus humbled himself to wash his disciples’ feet, except for Simon Peter, who also wanted his hands and head washed. Later in John 13, Jesus spoke of his betrayer Judas, who quickly left the feast afterwards.

In John 13:13-14 Jesus says to the disciples, “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.”

Jesus has charged us in John 13 to copy his example of service. His acts of service included sharing the gospel with others, feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and raising the dead. By serving God’s children, we show our love for him. By serving our family, neighbors, and enemies, our love for them grows. The Bible teaches us to serve others, follow Jesus, and find joy.

“Serving others is more than keeping up with your to-do list. To be a servant means we genuinely need to care about people. It is keeping our eyes, hearts, and schedules open for divine appointments. Jesus was not hurried, stressed by time, worried about what others thought of him, or overwhelmed by a list of tasks to accomplish each day. Instead, he was led by the Spirit of God and followed his promptings to serve, love, and help others. No task was ever beneath Jesus, and no person was ever unworthy.” –The Forgotten Initiative website

Though you may think you are not equipped to serve, God would not have asked you to serve if he did not know you could do what he called you to do. Your example of service will impact many around you and make this world a better place.

by Dave Nichols