I Have Set The Example

I HAVE SET THE EXAMPLE AND YOU SHOULD DO FOR EACH OTHER EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR YOU. John 13.15.

Some time ago we had our national election. The ruling party won overwhelmingly! May the Lord guide them to rule our country with justice, righteousness and equity. It was interesting to see the publicity campaign by the candidates for election. Each one was trying his best to outdo his opponent by promising the electorate the best service possible. But the electorate were not easily fooled!

You and I by nature want others to serve us. We are unwilling to serve others. For us Christians, our Master is our supreme example in service to others. It is true that He came to die for our sins and save us from its penalty, offering eternal life. But He made it very clear that He came to serve humanity. For He said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mt 20.28). You, His disciples should never forget that.

Jesus saw the attitude of the people and of His disciples. He clearly told them that He came to change them for the better. Read what He said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Mt 20.25-27).

Days before His crucifixion and before He left the disciples, Jesus washed their feet. It was their custom for the slaves to wash the master's feet before their feasts. But here the Master washed the disciples’ feet. It was a genuine act of service. But it was much more than that. It was a lesson in service to one another. It is a lesson for you and me too! That is why Jesus said, “I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you”.

I am amazed at the lack of willingness of people to help or serve others. We are unwilling to leave our comfort zone and go out and offer help to those in need! Pity, it is very much the same in the church, among friends and in families too. You expect everyone to talk to you politely and considerately. You want all to come to your help and attend to your needs. When someone fails to respond, you find fault with them easily.

You do not heed what Jesus taught us, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Mt 7.12). It is time that you make a start to change yourself. It is up to you to make the first move. Don’t ever say, “Let others do it first!” From today, begin to do what the apostle Paul taught you, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Phil 2 4,5).

Dear believer, be on the lookout for the needs of others! Respond to them as the Lord would! That is true discipleship. That is authentic Christianity! The Lord Jesus has set you an example! He expects you, no, commands you to follow it. Follow you must, to obey and please Him and be the salt of the earth!

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, forgive me of my selfishness. I am not prepared to help anyone but myself and my family. Holy Spirit, help me to follow the Lord's example from today and to make a deliberate effort to serve others. Amen.