Following Jesus' Example

Have you ever looked at the cross and thought that the example of Jesus was way beyond your reach? After all, how many Christians get to die for their faith? I bet you haven’t yet! Sometimes we are daunted by the enormity of following Christ’s example. On other occasions, we convince ourselves that faith is about doing mighty acts of renown for God. In both cases, we tend to overlook the fact that following Jesus is an intensely practical, day-by-day experience.  Perhaps that is our intention. After all, who really wants the Glorious Intruder to interfere with their lives EVERY day?

 Recently, I have been challenged by John’s account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (13:1-17). The commentators agree that the foot-washing was symbolic of what Jesus would do for the disciples on the cross. Both had a number of ingredients in common. Firstly, Jesus - powerful and important though He was - humbled himself in order to meet a need. Significantly, it would seem from Luke’s account (22:24-27) that the disciples had been more interested in who was the greatest than in humbling themselves and meeting one another’s needs.  Then, secondly, there is the common theme of cleaning. The foot-washing cleaned the disciples on the outside whilst the cross cleaned them on the inside.

However, though the foot-washing was symbolic, Jesus tells us that it was done as an example for us to follow. And isn’t this exactly the kind of example you could follow? When you see a need - be it at home, work or elsewhere – do what you can to serve. You may have to crucify your desire to seem important; you may need to sacrifice your own comfort; or you may need to put to spend your own time and money on somebody else. But by doing this, you will paint a sign on the canvas of everyday life that directs others to Jesus. Consider giving somebody a taste of love this week, and who knows, perhaps you will awaken in them an intense hunger for the love of Jesus.