Calling and Purpose 41—Jesus’ Example—John 13
When we get too wrapped up in the specifics of “what is my purpose?”, we can lose sight of who and/or what is right in front of us. There is something to be said about living in the moment…one day at a time. Jesus himself tells us not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). Not that we don’t plan ahead or seek to better align with God’s design, but what if His design is more about foot-washing and less about accomplishment that the world rewards?
In John 13, Jesus gives us a great and challenging example. He has a significant calling and purpose—and He is abundantly clear on that (see Finishing Our/God’s Work as Jesus Did and Calling and Purpose 34--Jesus). However, in one of the most poignant scenes prior to His death, during the Passover meal with his beloved disciples, knowing what He knew about His own fate, “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “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.” (John 13:3-17)
Humbled Himself. Served. Washed the feet of others. Used this moment as an object lesson. Commands them to wash one another’s feet. Sets an example for us. Says they (and we) will be blessed if we do this thing.
What if your purpose is nothing more and nothing less than living humbly? Putting others first? Seeking to serve them in a moment-by-moment way of living? Washing feet—literally or using it as an analogy for the kinds of things you choose to do or the heart with which you do them?
When you aren’t clear on your “purpose”, perhaps doing this one thing will lead to that clarity you seek.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.
Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.