The Form of a Servant

KEY VERSE: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” —John 13:16

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:24-27; John 13:1-7,12-15

THE attitude of the Jews was warped by their misconception of the Law Covenant and its purpose. The Apostle Paul speaks of this condition in Romans 10:2,3: “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” This state of mind fostered self-righteousness, self-interest, and a general attitude of superiority, especially among the leaders. Before Pentecost the disciples and followers of Jesus were also subject to this attitude but to a lesser degree because of the teachings of Jesus.

The disciples James and John demonstrated something of this attitude when they approached Jesus asking for a special place of authority and privilege in the kingdom. Jesus answered that such a favor was not his to give—only the Heavenly Father would fill those positions. Jesus also indicated that to be in the kingdom at all would require a complete surrender of self and the laying down of their lives in sacrifice in doing the Heavenly Father’s will.—Mark 10:35-40

When the other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were much displeased, but Jesus called them together and said: “Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister; and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”—Mark 10:42-45

Jesus first indicated to his disciples that their conduct demonstrated the same spirit or attitude of mind that was so evident among the Gentiles. He then pointed out that the exercise of power and privilege and authority was not the objective of God’s arrangement either now or in the kingdom. He emphasized that those who would be great in God’s arrangement would be servants of all. Then Jesus cited his own life as an example. In his pre-human existence as the Logos, he enjoyed a high and honored office with the Heavenly Father. But he gave all of this up and humbled himself “and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men … and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:7,8) By doing this he provided the ransom price which will eventually rid the human race from Adam’s sin and which was the greatest possible act of service.

With this experience having taken place, the disciples, with Jesus, assembled in the upper room for the Passover. “He [Jesus] riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself … and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel.” (John 13:4,5) In Jesus’ day it was the custom in homes where there were servants for them to wash the feet of guests as they came into the home. This was almost a necessity because of the hot dusty roads and the simple open sandals.

However, in the upper room there were no servants, and none of the disciples offered to perform this act of service, so Jesus, their Lord and Master, girded himself and performed this act of love. Then he said to them: “I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you. … The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” (John 13:15,16) In doing this Jesus gave them an example of what it means to be truly great from the Lord’s standpoint. In this day there is no need to continue the custom of feet-washing, but there is a need to take the Lord’s lesson to heart and search for opportunities to be of service to the brethren in any way possible, regardless of how menial the service might be.

| Home Page | Table of Contents |