The Meaning of Servant Hood for a Christian

In the Gospel of John verses 1-12 Jesus is the host of the dinner and he acts as the servant also. These scriptures show Him is two aspects of servant hood. First, he dresses as a servant with his robe removed and wrapped in the towel. Second, he performs the duty of the servant when he kneels to wash their feet. This is a humble service performed in a lowly position, the very lowest of duties for the lowest of servants.

In this he demonstrated his complete obedience to God the Father. This was a visual depiction of his commitment to His Father’s will. Soon he will reaffirm that commitment in the Garden of Gethsemane, but for now this is the picture they are to remember of the meaning of servant hood.

He did this to illustrate to them how they should enter into service in His name: They were to be servants. They must always be ready to do the menial tasks. They must never assume they would be more powerful or respected than he was. If he was a servant, they must be also

His intent in washing the disciples’ feet is to demonstrate their responsibility to be a servant. Do as I do. As I have done to you, do you even so to one another. The “one another” extends to those who are not yet Christians. First it will be to all who are a part of the brotherhood, but as the Gospel spreads this level of service will include those who were once their enemies and their accusers. Jesus washed Judas’s feet, too.

Peter was offended. He did not seem to want to see his Master performing this humble service for him, but Jesus insisted on it. “You will understand later,” he said. This was symbolic of a future fulfillment. They were to remember his example when they came to a place where they had to be willing to yield, a time when menial tasks would be required, a time when they would be humbled by circumstances.

It seems that Jesus is out of patience with Peter here. But we are thankful for his questions. Peter’s questions are ours, too. The explanations help us understand the Master. We shouldn’t be critical of him because we have the same questions.

I hope to persuade you that you are called to be a servant. You are to do God’s will. If that will seems harsh or unacceptable, remember the model displayed in scripture, and remember Peter’s question; remember Jesus kneeling at his feet, and remember Jesus’ answer. We may be called to the lowest type of service. We are not above bowing before God or even our fellow man, even the lowest of men.

What is the nature of the call to service? God places before me a wide array of opportunities. Some are illogical, some ill-advised, some merely unappetizing. Some are foolish. Radical discipleship includes commitment, but it still is subject to our faith vision. God expects me to see the fruition by faith. Sometimes faith will take me where others would not go. If your choices seem foolish to them, it is because they do not have my faith vision. You have a faith vision, too. Do not fear God’s call even if it appears foolish to others.