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. John 13:16.
In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is constantly ministering for others…. This ideal of ministry God has committed to His Son. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by His example He might teach what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service…. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it.
Again and again Jesus had tried to establish this principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for preeminence, He had said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” Matthew 20:26. In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others.73The Desire of Ages, 649, 650.
The ordinance of feet washing is an ordinance of service. This is the lesson the Lord would have all learn and practice. When this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into holy relationship with each other, to help and bless each other.
That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, and which strengthens by self-serving, Christ Himself set us an example of humility. He would not leave this great subject in man’s charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it that He Himself, One equal with God, washed the feet of His disciples…. This ceremony means much to us. God would have us take in the whole scene, not only the single act of outward cleansing. This lesson does not merely refer to the one act. It is to reveal the great truth that Christ is an example of what we through His grace are to be in our intercourse with each other. It shows that the entire life should be one of humble, faithful ministry.74SDA Bible Commentary 5:1138, 1139.
The Faith I Live By p. 297
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for my good friend Fran. She had the surgery but is not doing well. Rose
—-Please pray for a friend who has cancer. Ann
—-Please pray for my grandson Kori. He has a mental illness but is asking for Bible studies. Kathy
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Dear Friends,
This weekend, Ronnie Jay and his wife went hiking at a nature preserve about an hour from their home. As I looked at the pictures Wanangwa sent of their happy faces, I was reminded of one of the many times Ron, Ronnie Jay and I went on a hike or camping trip in the past.
One such time was a camping trip we took to New Mexico some years ago. Ronnie Jay had been planning that trip for weeks. He spent hours researching the best place to see the animals he hoped to photograph. As soon as he decided on a destination, he called Esther and told her all about it. He also told everyone at his work about his plans, and they caught his excitement and looked forward to the photos he would show them. The closer to the day it got, the more excited he became.
As I think about that time and how excited my son was, I wonder if we are as excited to take the trip to Heaven when Jesus comes to get His own. Are we making the needed preparation for that grand and glorious event? Do we tell everyone around us about that fair land where “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him”? As we see the signs approaching, are we becoming more excited or are we going through our daily routine with barely a thought Heavenward?
May we be “ready: for in such an hour as [we] think not the Son of man cometh.” Matt 24:44 May our lamps be trimmed and burning brightly that we may be ready to go in unto the wedding when the Bridegroom comes. (Matt 25:1-13) May we soon with rapturous joy exclaim, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isa 25:9
Rose