Portrait of a Servant

On the eve of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, Hie disciples express great concern, not over the news of Jesus' impending death, but rather over who among them was considered to be the greatest. Jesus had earlier taught them that the greatest is not the one who rises to the top, but rather the one who descends to the bottom. The greatest is the servant of all. And to reinforce His teaching, Jesus assumes the role of the servant, picks up the towel and bowl of water to wash the disciples' feet. He does so to show that servitude flows from love, requires humility, and involves forgiving others. Washing of feet reminds us of the need for daily cleansing from our sin, and washing another's feet of the need to forgive others their offenses against us. In the end, forgiven people forgive. Humble people ask for and grant forgiveness. And humble service leads to true happiness in life.