Lent is a season of reflection and renewal—a 40-day period in the liturgical calendar, from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, when Lutherans focus on the life and ministry of Jesus. Throughout his time on earth, Jesus embodied humble service, showing us what it means to love through action. In this seven-week series (from the first Monday in Lent to Easter Monday), we will explore the ways Jesus served others and how we are called to follow his example. Together we will reflect on his acts of compassion, humility and sacrifice.
This week we focus on what it means to serve humanity with humility.
Scripture
“After [Jesus] had washed [the disciples’] feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you’” (John 13:12-15).
Pastoral perspective with Drew Tucker
Let’s face it: feet are polarizing. For some people, they’re a neutral appendage. Others find them disgusting, while still others spend lots of time and money caring for their feet. French pedicures weren’t a thing in Jesus’ day, but feet were no less polarizing then. In fact, in a culture where people mostly walked from place to place on dusty roads, caring for one’s feet was an essential act rather than a luxury spa experience. This foot care was the job of a servant, yet Jesus flips the script by intentionally taking responsibility for this distasteful task just to meet his friends’ needs. For Jesus, no job is too small or too gross if it means showing love to God’s people. That’s humility: not thinking we’re above the work that needs to be done or the people with whom we work. During Lent, remember this: if Christ wasn’t above the work, then as Christians, we’re called to lives of the same.
Small act of service
Find a simple, unseen way to serve someone today—pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru, pick up litter in your neighborhood park or donate pet food to a local animal shelter.
Closing prayer
God of the Cross, your humble service shows us that you’ll go to any length to bless others with abundant life. Restore humility within our spirits so that we might bless the world with your gospel. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the one who washes our feet. Amen.
