Today's Passage - John 13:12-17

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english John 13:12-17   "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet."    The Lord says, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." What kind of example is Jesus referring to? Is it the example to wash one another's feet? Or does it have some other spiritual meaning? I firmly believe that it has both meanings. Some people say, "foot-washing is a cultural practice of the past, we don't do this today." Indeed, I agree with this view. However, people have discovered that in the process of washing one another's feet, we can learn to have a more humble heart.    There are many examples of foot-washing among the churches. There have been different Christian denominations that had rivalry and criticisms toward each other in the past. But for the Lord's sake, they were willing to be united once again. Consequently, the leaders from the two denominations washed each other's feet, while weeping and repenting. Because of this kind of foot-washing ceremony, it brought unity and love among the believers. The foot-washing ceremony itself has certain fruitful effects because it helps us understand how to humble ourselves. However, on the other hand, foot-washing is after all just a type of ceremony. It is not because of the foot-washing ceremony that one should feel that he/she is more spiritual.    In reality, the example that the Lord is speaking of is not only about the foot-washing ceremony, but it is even more about the humility of the heart. Are we willing to humble ourselves to accept one another? Are we willing to see others as better than ourselves and not to exalt our own opinions or stubbornly hold on to our own thinking? Are we really willing to serve each other, just like a servant? Have you thought of how you can wash one another's feet in your service? It doesn't have to be a foot-washing ceremony. Maybe it can be small things like giving rides to brothers and sisters who are weak and unable to move freely. Or it can be helping a brother or sister do some things, or even to provide some food to brothers and sisters who are sick, etc... It is to not expect others to do things for you, but for you to be willing to offer the love of Christ and not expect anything in return, and also not think of yourself as more spiritual.    In today's world, many people do very good things to exalt themselves. They say, "Look! I'm so spiritual! I love the Lord so much!" However, when you do things this way, you have already received the full reward on earth, but it is not remembered in heaven! May the Lord help us to truly humble ourselves to learn the examples of Jesus Christ - being humble and loving one another. Let the things that we do for Christ be the same things that we do for our brothers and sisters, so that they can also enjoy the grace of Jesus Christ.           Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Lord, please grant me a humble and tender heart. Help me to know what it means to wash one another's feet, so that I can do it for my brothers and sisters. May they experience your love through me. Lord, please grant me strength and wisdom to start taking action. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!