We had a Jewish neighbor in South Florida who made this statement: "I'm not proud like those people in the temple. I'm humble like you Baptists." She meant it as a compliment, but humility is not a quality you can brag about. So it is with humble service. We can try to do it without mentioning it. Jesus set the example for service.

•Humble service has its origin in devoted love (v. 1). In the midst of the solemnity and pageantry of the Passover meal, Jesus knew He was celebrating the sacrifice of the Jewish lamb in a unique way. He was to be the sacrificial Lamb in the moment He described as "His hour" to "depart from this world to the Father." We sometimes hear a contemporary Christian song which asserts that when Jesus was on the cross, we were on His mind. Although the sentiment is true, we must remember His love for His disciples at the Last Supper. We also were on His mind as He spoke to them.

•In other words, His love flowed out of His heavenly purpose (vv. 3-4). These two sentences starkly contrast two abiding characteristics of Jesus. The first describes the Heavenly Father ascribing all things into His hands. This is the second time John states that truth, the first being in 3:35. Jesus is Lord of all, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. In the second quality, an act, the Lord girded Himself and began washing the disciples' feet, a service so menial it was usually provided by slaves. Those two verses reflect the same theology as given in Philippians 2:7a, describing the deity of the Son of God, and 2:7b, which asserts He took the form of a servant. Jesus lived out His theology.

•Following the statement of our Lord's intention, the Bible then records Peter's arrogant words of false humility (vv. 6-10). In so stating, he impeded Jesus who was demonstrating at least two great truths for them to imitate, not only the obvious lesson of humble servanthood toward one another, but also the need for confession of sins which follows the conversion experience, as stated in 1 John 1:9, that "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This is the lesson Jesus taught Peter. Those who are washed, that is, clean because they are born again, need not be bathed again, but confession of sins is still necessary to restore fellowship with God which is broken by sin. The relationship, however, is secure.

•Jesus then explained to the disciples what could be called a humbling example (vv. 12-17). He described His washing their feet as an example for them. The problem for us is, an example for what? Some groups believe He was modeling a rite for Christians to imitate in a worship service, commonly called a "foot-washing service." Sometimes a man washes another man's foot or feet. Women perform the rite for other women.

Most denominations see different lessons Jesus taught by example. Many see the message as the need for cleansing by confession even after one is saved. Other's believe the message signifies a caring ministry to those in need. All believe whatever is done should be an expression of love for God and for one another.