Grace, and peace in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Story Narrative Opening

On Wednesday our traveler was overwhelmed by the burden he was carrying. He encountered a man carrying a cross who helped him. The burden he was carrying was made easier, lighter. The journey before him was now less daunting.

Cresting the hill he walked down into a valley. The path leads him to a small village, where he sees people gathered around a well. In spite of their own weariness, they are helping each other draw water and sharing what little they have.

He notices a woman kneeling to wash another’s feet, her actions humble yet full of dignity and care. As the man watches, he feels a tug at his heart, realizing this kind of service reflects something greater, a love that is selfless and sacrificial. He joins the group, offering to carry water for someone, and finds joy in the giving rather than receiving. This is a good place. He wonders what has affected these people.

Introduction: The Humility of the Basin and Towel

In biblical times, foot washing was a duty reserved for the lowest servants because people walked long distances in sandals on dusty roads. By kneeling to wash His disciples’ feet, Jesus demonstrated humility in a way that was shocking for His followers, teaching them that true greatness comes through serving others.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus did something really remarkable. He knelt down before His disciples in humility, washed their feet, and taught them what it means to love and serve. In this act He demonstrated the heart of true service, a heart of humility, love, and self-sacrifice.

As we continue our Lenten journey, we’re called to reflect on this moment of extraordinary humility in the life of the Author of all Creation. It points us to the love of God and challenges us to live a life of service, like Him.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.¹” In this simple yet profound act, Jesus redefined greatness as humility and love in action.

Just as He stooped to serve, He calls us to live a life of selflessness and service, being a living example of His love in our daily lives. He showed that leadership in His kingdom is marked not by power or prestige but by humble service. True greatness is found in serving others.²

It’s a powerful reminder for us. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of God. Think about a teacher who stays after school to help struggling students, or a coach who encourages teamwork and respect. These modern examples of servant-leadership remind us true greatness comes through selfless love in action. It’s not about receiving recognition. It’s about demonstrating His compassion.

A Call to Humble Service

The disciples were shocked by what Jesus did. Washing feet was the role of a servant, yet Jesus willingly took on this task. He called them, and now calls us, to follow His example, to put aside our pride, and to serve one another. This is not a call to extraordinary acts which amaze and impress, but to simple everyday thoughtfulness and kindness.

It might be worth looking, just having your eyes open for opportunities where you might serve others this week. Maybe it’s through volunteering at CUP our food pantry, helping a neighbor with yard work as Spring breaks in. It could be sending an Easter card of encouragement to our Shut-Ins, or even just listening to someone who needs a friend. Every act of service, no matter how small, reflects the love of Jesus.

The Cleansing Power of Service

Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet also points to the deeper cleansing He provides through His death and resurrection. This we receive in Holy Baptism, where we are washed clean of sin and brought into new life in Christ. Just like water was used to clean the disciples’ feet, Baptismal waters are our spiritual renewal and rebirth as we are born again from above, washed clean.

Through Jesus we are not only physically cleaned but spiritually made new. Just as He washed away the stain of dirt from their feet, He washes away the stain of our sins in our hearts. In this season of Lent, I hope we are a bit more aware of our constant need to bring our sins and burdens to Him, trusting in His grace to cleanse and renew. When we are forgiven, we are freed to serve others.

Nail the sins that plague you to the cross. Write your prayers and send them to the altar of God, where they will be heard before His throne. Trust in His grace to cleanse and renew, to lighten your burden and to guide you home.

The Heart of Service

Service flows from a heart transformed by God’s love through the work of the Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts we see how the Spirit empowered the early Church to serve one another selflessly. They had nothing but sharing their possessions, and meeting the needs of the community was where the Church got its roots and foundation.

That has been uniquely true of the Christian faith, above all others, throughout history. When trouble comes it is Christians who show up to help, and stay to rebuild and renew. With the hurricane, the fires, and now storms and tornadoes, across our nation it is the Christians who act first and stay the longest. That is the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of the Church using us as a light to the world. I have been a part of, and watched how God uses these travesties for His greater good, calling people to Him. He uses all things for good.³

This is the Spirit that shapes our hearts, guiding us to serve with love, generosity and humility. When we understand how deeply we are loved and forgiven, we are empowered to love, forgive and serve others. Not out of obligation but as a response to God’s grace.

Jesus reminds us service is not about seeking reward but about loving God and loving people,⁴ like He does.

Conclusion: Serve as Christ Served

This Lent I want you to think about Jesus’ ultimate act of service and sacrifice on the cross. The Old Testament reading, the first Bible reading for today from Micah 6 reminds us that true worship is not about rituals, but about sitting at the feet of the Master and learning from Him to serving others. Our acts of service become not just reflections of Jesus’ love but an integral part of our worship and discipleship.

Isaiah calls us to “loose the bonds of wickedness,” “share our bread with the hungry,” and “bring the homeless into our homes.”⁵ Write your sins of pride and selfishness on those sin-cards and nail them to the cross. This practice of repentance and prayer, deeply rooted in the Lenten tradition, drives home, with physically actions, our surrender of our burdens to Jesus.

As we participate, we are again reminded that He carried our sins to the cross, to grant us forgiveness and new life. Write your prayers for a servant’s heart, and eyes to see needs of others, on the prayer-cards, trusting He will equip you to see and serve.

Jesus has shown us what it means to serve. Let’s go and do likewise,⁶ in His name.

Story Narrative Closing

The man leaves the village to continue on his journey with a new understanding of what it means to serve. This lesson will shape the rest of his journey. Join us on Wednesday we begin walking “The Road to the Cross” to see real services to us by God.

Amen.

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NOTES

1John 13:14