Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” – JOHN 13:1-17

Humility, it seems, is a quality missing in many people today.

Humility is defined as a modest or low view of one’s own importance. Think about that definition for a moment.

Facebook, TikTok, Be Real, Instagram – do these bring to your mind the idea of humility (or something else)? I am amazed at the number of people who say they want to be a social media “influencer”. In fact, according to Morning Consulting, 86% of people ages 13-38 are willing to try out influencing on social media. Most of these individuals seek out influencing because they want a large following on social media, want to be known, and of course want the money that influencing can bring in.

But what is this doing to our culture, children, and young adults? Many are depressed and anxious. Many live for hours on social media chasing after their 15 minutes of fame. Many just want to find their identity – but it’s in the wrong place.

As you learn in today’s passage, Jesus shows us a different paradigm. It’s one where influence is gained not through pictures and the “look at me” culture, but one of humility and service.

Jesus was willing to humble himself by taking on the lowest identity of a servant. He dressed the part as He removed his outer garment, tied a towel around himself, and washed the feet of His disciples. There were no cameras to take a picture and there was no posting on social media to gain followers. Jesus simply relied on His actions to demonstrate His humility and His love for His disciples. He truly humbled himself not for His needs but for the needs of others – and His influence was magnified.

Today, we find ourselves living in a world that seeks to have influence through self-promotion. May we, as followers of Jesus, humble ourselves and serve as our means of influence, just as Jesus modeled for us; not for our own gain, but so that the Spirit of Jesus may gain influence in this community and beyond.

As you reflect on this passage this week, respond to the following:

1. What ways can you truly play the role of a servant in your life?

2. How can you use your influence for Jesus?

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