It was the night of the last supper. Jesus knelt on the floor with a basin of water and a towel, and began to wash his disciples’ feet (John 13:5). This was the action of a lowly slave, and Peter found it difficult to accept that Jesus would take that role with him (13:6-9). Then Jesus said these important words: “I have given you an example so that you also should do as I have done to you” (13:15).

What does it mean, that Jesus has given us this example? When I give you an example – say, a math example, an example of how to add fractions – I show you how to do that kind of math problem. Then, whenever you encounter a problem where you have to add fractions, you’ll know how to follow that example, and solve that problem. I don’t have to work every problem with adding fractions for you; instead, I give you an example that shows you how to do it, and from then on you can apply that example every time you run into a problem where you have to add fractions.

When Jesus gave his disciples this example, he showed them how to take the role of a servant in a situation where people weren’t expecting that. We could do the same by actually washing each other’s feet; but since what Jesus gave us is specifically an example, it points us toward a whole class of other places where we could follow Jesus’ example by choosing the role of humble service. Cleaning bathrooms. Letting others sit at the table while we serve the meal. Doing the unglamorous laborious tasks so that others don’t have to. Taking the role of a servant.

After Jesus had finished washing everyone’s feet, he asked, “Do you know what I have done to you?” (13:12). John does not record the disciples’ answer. If he had, the answer would probably have been a rueful “No.” The twelve were slow to get it, and we are too: Jesus, God the Son, comes to this earth and takes the form of a servant: a very low servant, a foot-washing servant. And then tells us, this is an example. It’s not just something to think about; it’s something to follow. “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (13:17).

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Ah, Lord Jesus: we are so resistant! You have set us an example, yet we hesitate to follow it. We know a lot of things, yet we are slow to put them into practice. We pray for your grace: that we may not merely think about what you have done, but that we might ourselves take action, serving one another, as you have shown us.