Love's Full Measure

Having loved his own . . . , He now showed them the full extent of his love. (John 13:1)

 

I COULDN'T BELIEVE the dean was going to wash my feet! We were attending a missionary council meeting at the Sierra Leone Bible College soon after our arrival in that West African nation. The dean, Rev. Billy Simbo, had been asked to offer devotions. After he had spoken for several minutes, Rev. Simbo took a basin and towel and began to wash the feet of each person in our circle. I remember feeling embarrassed and unworthy, identifying with Peter who proclaimed to the Lord, "No, You shall never wash my feet." It felt strange and somehow inappropriate. As a missionary, I thought I should be the servant.

 

John said that Jesus, through His simple act of foot washing, showed His disciples the "full extent of his love." He did so at what was, for Him, the worst of times. His arrest, torture, and crucifixion were imminent. Yet Jesus was most concerned that His disciples felt His love for them, even knowing that they all were going to betray, desert, or deny Him.

 

Through Jesus' words and example we know that if we are to truly follow Him, we will love and serve others even when we're hurting or feeling rejected by them. Jesus allowed us no room for self-pity. As He has done for us, so we must do for others.

 

Pat Estes

 

Name the person you will serve today.