EquippedMama

Just before the Passover feast, Jesus knew that his time had come to depart from the world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now loved them to the very end.

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that he should betray Jesus.

Because Jesus knew that the Father had handed all things over to him, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,

he got up from the meal, removed his outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around himself.

He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to dry them with the towel he had wrapped around himself.

John 13:1-5, New English Translation

Do you know what it means to be a servant?

If you have one, or two or three little ones you might think that a servant is synonymous with your first and middle name. The poopy diapers, clogged toilets, doggie barf, and booger-crusted hands are all your personal responsibility. But do you meet needs, or are you a true servant?

I was convicted of this very topic recently, recognizing that while I often do the things required of me, it is out of a sense of obligation.

Has anyone else ever attacked a pile of dishes muttering under their breath, “Well, since no one else is going to do it….” Self-pity is a very easy trap to fall into, especially as a mom, where gratification is often delayed and gratitude is often lacking. But in this week’s passage, we are reminded of the model set for us of true service, and are reminded the power of being a servant, rather than just meeting needs.

Many of us are familiar with this story. These are Jesus’ last few moments with all of his twelve disciples prior to his betrayal and arrest. For three years he had lived with these men, ministered with them (Mark 1:31, Mark 3:7-10), taught them (Mark 4:11), rebuked them (Mark 4:40), and seen them experience success (Mark 6:13). Now this time was quickly drawing to an end. Throughout his ministry, Jesus had predicted his death (Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:18), and now the wheels were in motion, with his betrayer coming from his most intimate circle: one of his own disciples.

The passage states that Jesus “knew his time had come to depart from this world to the Father” (vs. 1) and being familiar with the Scriptures, Jesus knew that agony and humiliation of every kind awaited him. And yet, rather than trying to savor comfort for a fleeting moment, he served. He served even the one who would lead him to the cross.

On multiple occasions throughout his ministry, people raised the question about who was the greatest (Matthew 18:1) and the disciples argued on more than one occasion as to which of them might be the greatest (Luke 9:46, Luke 22:24). For these past and future questions about greatness, Jesus modeled that true greatness took the form of a servant. As Paul says of Christ in his letter to the Philippians;

Who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,

but emptied himself, taking on the form of a slave,

by looking like other men, and sharing in human nature.

He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross!

As a result, God exalted him…

Philippians 2:6-9a, New English Translation

In these actions, Jesus modeled that position does not exclude from service. He, of all people, would have been in a place of authority, yet he made himself of the lowest position in this humble act.

Not only did Jesus act in humility, but he served in the confidence that God had already given him all authority. Despite the suffering he would endure, he was promised being reunited with the Father (vs. 3). This was his hope and joy. Jesus served in a quiet confidence that he need not prove himself, he need not claim recognition or status. All authority was his; he volunteered to lay it aside (John 17:10).

Finally, the type of service Jesus modeled in this setting was radical. Although he had a position of power, Jesus laid aside his dignity, his right to be served, and ministered to the most mundane and lowly need his disciples had. Even knowing he would be betrayed by one of them.

How does the service of Jesus encourage us as mothers? I believe there are three simple aspects of these verses that we can apply to our daily lives directly.

• Jesus acted with urgency. He knew his time was limited, and he used his last moments to teach a powerful lesson. While (hopefully) we will have much more time with our children than Jesus had with his disciples, we are wise to make the most of every opportunity to teach them about the Lord.
• Jesus recognized that his authority came from God and his eternal reward would come from God. Similarly, keeping a kingdom mindset should help us better meet the needs of our families as true servants. Our work is for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
• Jesus did the very lowest work. Jesus laid aside all forms of pride and pretense and as a result, God honored him (Philippians 2:9). As we go about the work of mothering, how would our attitudes and actions changed if we waited for the Lord’s approval, rather than our families?

Jesus’ example models radical love- love he expects us to emulate. As you go about your mundane, consider modeling the mindset of a servant in everything. Jesus’ words following the encounter are ones for us to take to heart;

If I then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet.

John 13:14, New English Translation

Let’s be feet washers, mamas.