Chaplain’s Corner

The Servant

Did you know it wasn’t God’s intention to have man-made, man-appointed, Kings? God intended that He would be the King, our King. He wanted us to love Him and serve Him as our perfect King. But the people had other ideas. The early Israelites looked at other nations and saw that they had a King, and they wanted one too. 

So God, being loving and the gentleman that He is, permitted it. He allowed the children of Israel, his chosen people, to have themselves a King. Unfortunately, and somewhat predictably, it didn't work out too well!  

While there were a few good Kings, for the most part, King after King was selfish and ultimately downright evil. They forgot about God and in turn, helped generations forget about God. But God didn't forget about them! He had a special rescue plan that involved a new King, a perfect King. 

Jesus didn’t turn out to be as one would predict a King would be, however. He arrived differently, born into very humble surroundings. He didn't want to wear a crown. He didn't want to wear special robes. He didn’t want to command an army. He didn't even want to have servants. Instead, HE wanted to be the servant.

Even with all the authority given to him by God, with all the respect and love shown to him by the people, Jesus desired to use all of that power to demonstrate a servant heart and humility.

One of the most powerful representations of this humble and servant attitude, is when we see Jesus wash the disciple’s feet. At the time, this was considered the job of the lowliest servant, the least ranking, the lowest of low. So much so, often one would venture into the street and find someone to pay, to come in and wash your guest’s feet. 

You can imagine Peter saying, “I'm not doing it, I'm not a servant.” Or Matthew saying, “Well neither am I, I'm not washing your stinky feet! I saw what you walked in Peter!”

So, imagine their shock, their surprise, when Jesus then bends down and says, “Peter, Matthew… Move aside, I'll do it.”

Not because no one else would do it.

Not because he felt he had to.

Not because he was the lowest of the low.

It was because he wanted to demonstrate to the disciples two very important lessons. 

1. He was a servant

The disciples looked to Jesus as their leader, the wisest person amongst them; the Messiah; the Saviour; the new King to be; the one they hoped would lead Israel to victory and freedom. So, they were shocked, that He would offer to wash their feet! “No! Jesus,” says Peter! “You can't. I should be washing your feet!” But Jesus said, “If you don't let me wash away the dirt, you can't be close to me…”

Jesus wanted to wash away the ugliness from the disciples, and isn’t it a beautiful thing, that he wants to do the same for you and me? Not just the dirt we can see on the outside, but also on the inside. People look at the outward appearance, and we look and judge what people seem to do and say. Jesus, however, looks at our heart. He sees the real us, not just what we want others to see.

Because you know… 

2. Jesus is in the Clean-Up Business

If there’s sadness in our hearts, Jesus wants to clean that up. If there’s hatred or nastiness in our hearts, Jesus wants to clean that up.

If there are feelings of guilt or worry because of something we have said or done, Jesus wants to clean that up. 

If there’s jealousy, (you want what other people have and can’t be satisfied with what you have), Jesus wants to wash that away too. 

The Ultimate Servant

Jesus was the ultimate servant. He encourages His disciples to stop wanting to be first, the best, the leader, the one in charge, the King over everyone. Instead, we can follow Jesus’ example, which is to serve one another and put the interests of others above our own. To think about what is best for our friends and family before we think about what is best for us. It’s good for us, it’s good for our soul, it’s good for our friends and family, and God blesses us for it—ultimately, that is true leadership.

So who can you serve today? 

People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7b

God bless,

Pastor Matt Daly

College Chaplain