Exemplary

Exemplary (written by guest author David Peterson, pastor at St. John's Community Church in Fort Atkinson, WI)

Before the Last Supper, Jesus washed His disciple’s feet in a show of extreme humility. Afterwards, He told them in John 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Jesus informed them of their blessings if they do as He did. He was trying to impress upon them the servant nature of those in God’s kingdom.

Pastor John MacArthur preached on the John 13:15 verse and he said: “So if I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet, for I gave you an example that you should also do as I have done to you,” or I did to you. This is the lesson. Love like this. Love selflessly, humbly, in the most menial, simple necessity of life. Start there, and all the more elevated things will come. Love at the lowest level of need. “I gave you an example. This is an example thatyou should do as I did to you.” MacArthur stresses the example that Jesus provided was an act of love; a selfless, humble, act that will bring future blessings.

The Christian Hymnal has an unknown source for the hymn “Christ, in the Night He Was Betrayed”. The words are very poignant and reflect the commandment by Jesus to follow His example. All four verses follow:

1 Christ, in the night he was betrayed, for us a plain example made.

The Paschal feast had been prepared, and with his friends he freely shared.

2 Before he suffered, he desired to show us all what love required.

The honored teacher left his seat and knelt to wash his servant’s feet.

3 Such gentle kindness did he show with towel and basin, stooping low!

When all were washed, he stood to ask that they repeat this humble task.

4 “If I have done this unto you, you ought to serve each other, too.

And if my servants you would be, obey my word and follow me.”

Let us pray: Lord and Savior Jesus, teach us to follow your example in everything we do! Amen.