Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

John 13:3-17

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.



In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (TEV)



Here in prison, I’ve been assigned a job. Armed with a trash bag and gloves, I pick up cigarette butts, food wrappers, and other even more unpleasant items. It’s frustrating when other inmates – and guards – drop something on the ground without thinking, sometimes right behind me as I’m working!

One day as I was picking up trash, I saw a slip of paper stuck in a crack in the sidewalk. It was a fortune from a fortune cookie. It said, “Your example will inspire others.” Those words made me think.

When Jesus wrapped himself in a town and knelt to wash his disciple’s feet, he was doing a menial job – something a servant would do. But more important was his attitude while he did it. Jesus was serving his friends, just as I serve both the guards and the inmates. What kind of example am I? Am I doing my assigned job gladly – like Jesus – or grudgingly? As I thought about those questions, my attitude toward my work changed.

That slip of paper is still tucked between the pages of my Bibl. It is a constant reminder for me.



Prayer: Dear Guide and Teacher, help us always to remember that whatever job we have, we can show your love to those around us. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who dislike their work

Thought for the Day: People are watching. What will my example inspire?

Story shared by: B Glover (FL)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional:10/3/11