12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them,“Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord ​— ​and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you. -- John 13:12-15

One Another (John 13:12-15)

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This week, Mike continued our GAME CHANGERS series, where we investigated the importance and role of community in the life of the believer.  

As we've said before, Following Jesus is personal, but it is never private. The context of life with Jesus is always in the context of community.

In our scripture reading for today, John 13:12-15, we see Jesus taking a moment to teach his disciples about the significance of selfless service. Preceding this teaching moment, Jesus put aside his outer robes and dressed himself as a servant, and began to wash his disciples' feet. The washing of feet was needed in the 1st century as the streets were dusty, and everyone wore sandals without socks. As a result, feet-washing was a gritty, messy, and personal business. Yet, Jesus, truly God and truly man, bends his knee to the dust and begins to wash his disciples feet.

We should be struck by the humility and servant-heartedness of Jesus. He, the Son of God, took on the role of a servant and washed the feet of his disciples. This is staggering! So much so that at first Peter refuses this action from Jesus! (v.8) In verse 14, Jesus tells his disciples that if he, their Lord and Teacher, could wash their feet, then they should also wash one another's feet. This is a call for us to serve one another in humility and love, just as Jesus has served us.

So what does this have to do with Christian community? It is impossible to serve and love like Jesus without community. There are 59 commands in the bible that end with "One another." We cannot do this apart from a community. As you link up with other believers, know that you will serve, love, and care for them AND they will serve, love, and care for you.

Jesus bent his knee to serve his team. Jesus bent his knee to love his friends. May we follow in the example of our Lord and do the same.