The Example of Jesus

I find the statements and responses of Jesus fascinating because He never did what I would.  Though I have read the biblical accounts numerous times, I constantly re-examine them and think about what could have been said and contrast it with what Jesus actually said.  There are great lessons to be learned even in what Jesus did not say.  Jesus alone has the words of life, and faith in Him marked by obedience enables us to embrace the abundant life He promises.

For instance, I was blown away by what Jesus said after He donned a towel and washed the disciple's feet during the Passover meal.  John 13:12-15 states, "So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? ¹³ You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, 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 should do as I have done to you."  Jesus provided an example of the love and care His disciples were to show to one another by washing their feet.

Notice Jesus did not provide an example of how to wash one another's feet.  This was not a step-by-step tutorial in feet hygiene, and this is a very important distinction.  Jesus did not explain in detail what to do if someone is ticklish, how to discern when feet were truly in need of washing or exactly when to wash them.  I expect the way people washed feet was different even in one household.  Jesus allowed His followers to have freedom without being chained to rituals like the Pharisees under Jewish traditions.  By washing feet Jesus provided an example of what we are to do for one another:  to serve, minister and love one another as He gave us commandment.

Jesus did not provide people "how to" instructions concerning being a spouse, a pastor, neighbour, sibling, parent, friend or coworker.  The act of Jesus in the upper room transcended the washing of feet and can be extended to every activity and relationship, to guide our motivation behind what we do and why.  Sometimes we hold back from loving others because we are unsure how best to do it.  "It's the thought that counts," we might say, but we don't truly believe it because our pride stands in the way.  Too many times we have been distracted by extra or unnecessary steps other people took to "wash our feet" we did not appreciate or understand and thus do not receive the genuine love expressed.  In response we roll up our sleeves and think, "Now I'll show them how to really wash feet!" and miss the whole point of what Jesus said.

It's not the filthiness of the feet of others, the quality of our service or the extent of our humility that matters because Jesus has already given us an example we are to follow:  as He has done for us, so we ought to do for others.  He has provided us an example of sacrificial love, mercy, grace and forgiveness, and we are called to extend these freely to others.  We can be focused on a formula of "how to" when Jesus bids us trust Him and follow His example.  We "can do" what we should only because He lives and we live through Him.