Is there a household chore you can't stand doing, but know that it needs to be done? Maybe you find yourself looking away, waiting for someone else to take care of it.

The good thing is that Jesus is not like that. On his last night with his friends, while they were meeting for dinner, someone had to clean all the dirty feet. After all, they would be sitting on the ground. Their sandals would be full of dust and dirt and anything else they had stepped on in the streets. This task was considered so disgusting and servile that it is believed that even slaves sometimes refused to do it.

But that night the Lord Jesus Himself filled a basin with water and began to wash the feet of His disciples. Peter was horrified and exclaimed, "You will never wash my feet!" (John 13:8). But the Lord insisted. There, in their final hours together, it was paramount that they understand exactly who He was. Yes, he was their Master, Lord, and Teacher. His signs and wonders were evidences that he was God. But God came to serve, not to demand. To die, not to kill.

What does it mean to follow God in that way? That night, with His friends, the Lord Jesus clearly demonstrated. After all, no disciple can be greater than his master. We must be people who serve one another.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for inspiring us and setting an example of how we can serve others. I ask You to show me opportunities through this day of how I can serve others with love, humility, and joy. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. John 13:12-17 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.