Digging Deeper: Humbled to Serve

I can’t help but have a vivid picture in my mind as I read these Scriptures: a beautiful, long wooden table surrounded by prominent figures from the Bible—chatting, smiling, and enjoying what would forever be a sacred dinner. Then, Jesus stops. He pushes His seat away from the table and does something most leaders would hardly consider.

In that moment, Jesus flips the script on the world’s definition of leadership.

The disciples had witnessed His miracles, His wisdom, and His power—yet in the upper room, Jesus shocks them. He removes His outer garment, kneels, and begins to wash their feet. I imagine their feet—tattered, cut, scraped, and filthy from the dusty roads they had walked.

We know this wasn’t just any act of service. Foot washing was reserved for the lowest-ranking servant in the household. But here is Jesus—the King of kings—taking on that very role.

What makes this moment even more significant is that Jesus, knowing He was about to be betrayed and crucified, chose to spend His final moments not being served, but serving. His hands, which had healed the sick and raised the dead, were now washing the dirty, calloused feet of His friends.

When we reflect on who Jesus is, and see Him humbly take on the role of a servant, we’re left with a challenge:

What are we willing to lay down in order to serve others?
How can we carry this mindset into our workplace, our homes, and our communities?
What simple act can we offer today to reflect His love?

Prayer
Lord, as we begin this week, open our eyes to the needs around us. Show us where we can step in and serve. Teach us not to consider any act of kindness or humility beneath us. Help us to live like You—with a heart ready to kneel, to serve, and to love. Let us be Your hands and feet in a world that desperately needs Your touch.
Amen.