The Good Servant

When you think of a servant, you probably think of someone who lacks position, title, or freedom. A servant is often described as someone who is lowly. One who cares for the needs of others. Someone who does the job others don't want to do.
In the Bible, Jesus challenged people to be a servant. But Jesus didn't just talk about it, he did it Himself. In fact, the picture here shows a wonderful story of Jesus being a servant. The story is of Jesus meeting with His disciples on what He knows to be His last night on earth with them. After they have a meal together, Jesus grabs a towel and a basin, and begins to wash their feet. This surprised them, because washing people's feet was the job of the servant of the house. However, since there was no servant where they were at, Jesus chose to do the job. In John 13:12-17 we read: "...'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. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
Jesus shows us that it is actually a good thing to be a servant. Why? Because when we serve others, we take away any distinction of class or order, position or power. We learn that we were created to serve one another; to give of ourselves freely. A good servant is not one who is lowly, but one who lovingly and willingly gives of themselves to others. This is Jesus' call to us; this is what makes our life meaningful and gives us purpose.