John 13 - Africa Study Bible

Humble Service • John 13:4-11

Ancient streets, like streets in parts of our continent, were often dirty and dusty and filled with animal dung. People sometimes dumped trash or excrement into the street. Good hosts provided water so guests could wash their feet. Not doing so would be an insult (Luke 7:44). Only the lowest servants would wash another person’s feet. Disciples might do many things for a teacher, but they would not wash anyone’s feet. Jesus, however, shockingly took on the role of a lowly servant—to Peter’s discomfort. As Jesus prepared to serve his disciples by giving his life on the cross, he summoned them to follow his example of humble service (John 13:14-15).

In our traditional cultures, chiefs were powerful men. In some villages, the chiefs kept slaves. Nothing but the love of Christ would make a chief humble enough to serve his servants. It is good that we give people respect, including pastors in our churches. But those who are in leadership should avoid the pride and pomp that go with the title “big man” or “man of God.” We must remember our own Lord’s example of humble, loving serv­ice. Those of us under their leadership need to have the grace to allow our leaders to serve us without losing our respect for them. When we have the same attitude as Peter, we let the “big man” custom continue. Jesus should be our model of humble service.