Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40 days before Easter. Ashes made from the previous year’s palm crosses are placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. It is during this that we are reminded of Christ’s death and resurrection and what he endured for us. It is a time of fasting, praying, and reflecting on our relationship with Christ. It is a time to draw nearer to Him. Some people give up things for Lent, while others add things.
Our church began season 5 of The Chosen this week. Episode one begins with a scene from the Lord’s supper. During this season 5, we will be led to the scene of the disciples’ feet being washed. Our pastor talked about this in church yesterday. Jesus took the role of a servant, a profound act of humility, and demonstrated love. He even washed their feet, knowing he would be betrayed. He washed Judas’s feet. Jesus set an example for his followers to serve one another. He told the disciples that without Him washing their feet, they would have no part with him. Jesus also told them to imitate this act of humble service and to wash one another’s feet.
As I sat and listened, I thought to myself, would I wash someone’s feet? Think about the disciples’ feet. Their feet weren’t clean; they didn’t wear socks and tennis shoes, and they didn’t have lotion on them. They walked around in sandals in the dust. They didn’t have a pedicure. It didn’t matter to Jesus. He washed their feet.
Serving is a condition of our heart. Jesus demonstrated that true greatness lies in serving others, not in being served.
In John 13:12-17, Jesus said after He had finished washing their feet,
12 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. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
The commentary in my bible for this scripture said several things that I loved. One Jesus didn’t wash the disciples’ feet to get them to be nice to each other. He washed their feet to be an example to go out into the world and wash other feet. Next love is more than a warm feeling. It is an attitude that reveals itself in action. We should help when it isn’t’ convenient, give when it hurts, by devoting energy to others welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back.
How can you wash others’ feet this Lent? Instead of giving up something for Lent, you should wash feet. It may not literally be washing feet, but it may be doing something kind every day for someone who needs it, someone that may not live in your neighborhood, someone you may not even know, someone who is your Judas. It is time for us to imitate Jesus and serve others.
To get closer to God and led Him lead us where we should serve remember to
1. Show up for JESUS every day – Start your day in the Word.
2. Show up for OTHERS – Serve others, whether or not they are like you, whether or not they annoy you or are difficult to understand. That is what Jesus did; He showed up for everyone.
3. Show up for YOU – Fill your cup before you help fill others’ cups.
WE WILL FIND JOY WHEN WE SHOW UP FOR JESUS, OTHERS, AND OURSELVES.
As Father Mike says, “You pray for me, and I will pray for you.”
As Tara Leigh says: He’s where the joy is.
Have a great week, Cupcake loves you and so does Jesus.
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