"You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’
and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher,
have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you,
you should also do.”
(John 13:13-15)
True leaders are those who demonstrates selfless service. Jesus sets His own self as example for you to follow. His leadership as your Master and Teacher is characterized by humility and service, rather than power and control. Like Jesus, we should love unconditionally even when faced with adversity and be willing to serve others in love and humility, regardless of our position or status.
In quiet deeds, in hands that give,
A life of love, a way to live.
No thought of gain, no search for fame,
Just kindness shining like a flame.
To lift the weary, ease the load,
To walk with others down their road.
A heart that serves, both true and free,
A gentle force, a sacred plea.
Not for the glory, not for show,
But for the love that seeds must sow.
For in the smallest act of grace,
We find the world's most sacred place.
Lord Jesus,
You came not to be served, but to serve, pouring out your love with every word and deed. Teach me to follow in your footsteps, to offer my hands for the work of kindness, my heart for the weary, and my spirit in humble devotion.
May I serve not for recognition, but for the joy of giving. Let me be a light to those in darkness, a refuge to those in need, and a vessel of your endless mercy. Strengthen me when the path is difficult, renew me when my strength fades, and remind me that in serving others, I am serving you for all that I have, I surrender to your will. Use me as your instrument of grace and love, now and forever.
Amen.
Pericope:
III: The Book of Glory
THE WASHING OF THE DISCIPLES' FEET
John 13:1-20
Gospel Acclamation
I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you.
Gospel | John 13:1-15 (or Luke 4:16-21)
1 Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, 3 fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, 4 he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” 11 For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? 13 You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. 14 If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
Background:
John 13:1-15 is part of the Gospel of John, written by the Apostle John. This passage is significant as it introduces the Last Supper and showcases Jesus’ humility, love, and knowledge of upcoming events.
The context of these verses is the Last Supper, which was a meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His arrest. Scholars disagree whether this meal was actually on the Passover, or if it was the Passover meal, but celebrated the day before.
In this passage, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, an act of humility and service. This was a task typically performed by a servant, but Jesus did it to set an example for His disciples.
Jesus knew that His hour had come, referring to His impending crucifixion. Despite knowing that He was about to be betrayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus showed love and served His disciples, teaching them a powerful lesson about humility and service.
This passage is a profound demonstration of Jesus’ love and humility, and it sets a precedent for Christian service. It also underscores the importance of humility, love, and service in the Christian faith.
Learning Lessons:
Humility: Jesus, the Master and Teacher, washes the feet of His disciples, a task typically done by a servant. This act of humility is a powerful lesson for us to serve others, regardless of our position or status.
Service: Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet is a demonstration of selfless service. It teaches us that we should be willing to serve others in love and humility.
Love: Despite knowing that He was about to be betrayed, Jesus showed love towards all His disciples. This teaches us to love unconditionally, even when faced with adversity.
Leadership: Jesus’ actions provide a model of leadership characterized by humility and service, rather than power and control. It teaches us that true leaders are those who serve.
Obedience: Jesus knew His hour had come and He was obedient to His Father’s will, even unto death. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s will in our lives.
Example: Jesus explicitly states that He has set an example for His disciples to follow. This teaches us that we should strive to follow Jesus’ example in our daily lives.
These lessons from John 13:1-15 guide us in our interactions with others and our relationship with God. They remind us of the importance of humility, service, love, leadership, obedience, and following Jesus’ example.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot