When we’re deciding on a direction for our lives, it is not uncommon to follow someone else’s example. As children, we naturally look to our parents. As we get older, teachers, friends, and siblings influence us. At work, we may choose a mentor, someone we respect, and imitate their work ethic or philosophy. Sometimes we even look to celebrities or heroes whose lifestyle we wish to duplicate in our own lives. Often those we choose to follow end up disappointing us in some way. We find out that even the greatest saints have feet of clay… or as one Christian author said, we’re all cracked pots.
Jesus is the one person whose example is always perfect and safe to follow. Earlier this week I went to Maundy Thursday service and I learned something about that (for those who are from not from liturgical background, this is the evening when we celebrate and remember the Last Supper). Before the Passover meal Jesus deliberately set an example for the disciples. He knew that His time with them was growing short and He wanted to impress upon them this matter of great importance.
“When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them. ‘Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, 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 just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.'” John 13: 12-17
Jesus set the example for us — servanthood. As His disciples, He expects us to follow. Are you moving in the right direction?
Lutheran Ladies Connection 