“Do you know what I have done for you?” (John 13:12)
After Jesus washed the feet of his disciples on the night of his betrayal, he asked them, “Do you know what I have done for you?” We know the Lord doesn’t ask questions because he doesn’t know the answer, but sometimes he wants us the church to consider and know the answer. In other words, Jesus wanted his disciples to consider what he has done.
Let’s consider then: Jesus got up after supper, wrapped a towel around himself like a lowly servant, poured water and began to wash the feet of the disciples and dry them with the towel. The One who holds together the universe is bathing one of the dirtiest parts of their body. How can that be? Our God not only humbled himself to a slave but he is doing lowly work among us, and we find out why earlier in the story: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (13:1). Jesus knew he was to return to the Father, and he loved us faithfully, by giving his life in exchange for our salvation, so that we may be washed clean from our sins.
Yes, Jesus loves his church. And Jesus was willing to lay down his life for the church, because he loves them dearly. If you are a Christian, do you love the church and look for opportunities to serve like Jesus did? Perhaps we should consider the Apostle Paul who wrote, “Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts” (1 Co. 14:1). We should actively pursue love and desire to be given spiritual gifts. This does not mean to pursue a self-love but a love that gives to others. Spiritual gifts are giving to others, for building up the body of Christ, not for shining a spotlight on yourself. Ultimately, when you serve the body of Christ, you are serving Jesus.
Serving the church is how we can see Jesus working today in love. Here’s the thing: Some of us are too afraid to ask for spiritual gifts, because we do not want to serve. But consider what Jesus has done for you! When you do, you will pursue love and ask God to become more loving. Ask for a deepening of spiritual gifts, for the sake of serving others. Church, when you pursue love, pray you won’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty serving.