We give 100% of ourselves to others because Jesus did it first. He came to serve, not to be served, and he showed it by washing his disciples’ dirty feet. When we set our egos aside and serve our families, teammates and friends, we deepen our relationships and create opportunities to point people to Jesus.
Jesus Took the Dirtiest Job
In Jesus’ day, people wore sandals on dirt roads, so feet were filthy. Washing feet was a job for the lowest servant. That’s what makes the night before Jesus’ death so shocking. He got up from the meal, wrapped a towel around his waist and washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:3-5).
The disciples were stunned. Their teacher, the Son of God, was doing the grossest job in the room. Then Jesus explained why.
John 13:14-15 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
If Jesus was willing to do the dirtiest job in the room, no act of service is beneath us.
Followers of Jesus Are Servants
Jesus wasn’t just making a point about feet. He was showing what greatness looks like in his kingdom.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
On a team, it’s easy to want the spotlight. Serving means grabbing the equipment, encouraging the player who’s struggling, cheering for a teammate who took your spot and doing chores at home without being asked. It means not letting your ego get in the way of helping someone.
Serving Opens Doors
When you serve your friends, your relationships grow deeper. People notice when someone cares more about others than about themselves. That kind of humility makes them curious, and it gives you natural opportunities to share why you live this way: because Jesus served you first.
The Takeaway
Give 100% of yourself to others because Jesus came to serve and set the example. When you serve with humility, you grow closer to people and point them to him.
