Truth and Reality: Servanthood; Being Christlike

Truth and Reality - We must serve all

As I sit here looking at this profound sculpture of Jesus washing someone's feet, my mind begins to wander. I begin to think about this example that my Lord set for me to follow. I actually sat and wondered for a moment of which disciple may have been depicted in this example. Well, it really doesn't matter, because Jesus washed the feet of ALL of his disciples.

He washed the feet of those who may have annoyed him (come on, Jesus was human and I'm sure he was annoyed by those who were always trying to schmooze him). He washed the feet of the one who frustrated him -- think Peter. He washed the feet of the one who doubted him. He washed the feet of the one he loved and he washed the feet of he who, just a short time after, would betray him and be responsible for his arrest leading to his death sentence.

The reality (my reality) is, sometimes it's easier to serve those who are not close to us. Those with whom we have no "real" investment. It's easier to serve, and humble ourselves to those who have no claim on our emotions or our personal lives. Personally, it's easy for me to serve those less fortunate. It's not a big deal for me to feed the hungry or love the unloved and destitute. It's difficult to serve those who have hurt us time and time again. It's hard to humble ourselves before someone who we feel should be humbled instead.

The Truth is, God has called us to serve everyone. Jesus' example of servanthood and friendship came to those who were closest to him. He poured out the three greatest years of his life with his disciples, whom he later called his friends. He shared his most intimate moments with them, praying with them, weeping in front of them, showing them the way and sharing the secrets of his father with them. Speaking candidly and openly with them.

The feet that Jesus washed were the very feet that scattered when he was taken. The hands that broke bread with him, lashed out with the sword. The mouths that pledged to forever be committed to him, denied him with bitter tongues. He knew this. As Jesus wrapped the towel around his waist and bent down to wash the feet of his friends, he knew exactly what each man was about to do, how deeply he would be hurt - not physically, but emotionally.

And so, this is our example. We, as servants of Christ, follow his lead. We serve, we love, we humble ourselves in front of the very people who irritate, annoy, frustrate, hurt, humiliate, abandon, and yes, even betray us. The truth isn't always easy to hear, and oftentimes more difficult to practice. After all, we're only human, but this, my friends is true Christianity, it's servanthood. It is Christ. This is what I strive to be, without excuse, without regret, simply Christlike.