Pastor Tom Grieb continues our Lenten/Easter series "In His Steps."

The Gospel of John gives a fuller picture of what went on in the Upper Room the night Jesus was betrayed.  While the meal is not so much mentioned as in the other gospels, Christ’s desire to teach about servanthood is.  It is in John’s gospel where we find the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.  By so doing, Jesus offers the supreme example of what it means to be a servant leader.  He kneels at the feet of each disciple demonstrating the sort of humility that comes with true service.  Of course, the greatest example of Christ’s selfless service is his death on the cross.  So then in this account we learn about Jesus.  He is the supreme example of a servant. 

We also learn about ourselves and do so through the life of Peter.  Peter was quick to refuse Christ’s offer to wash his feet.  If you have ever had your feet washed, you know that it is quite disarming.  It might be that in refusing Christ’s offer Peter was expressing his unworthiness.  It might also be that Peter figured he was at an okay place and didn’t need his feet washed.  Regardless, Peter refused Christ’s offer, that is, until Jesus responded by saying, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”