UK law is changing. We would like to place cookies on your computer to help us make this website better. We've always done this (it's how websites work!), but the law now says I must ask your permission first. To find out more about the cookies, see the privacy notice.

I accept cookies from this site

UK Registered Charity 1117093
Company Number 5947088

"I jump into a sand pit for a living"

Jonathan Edwards, World record triple-jumper

Feet-washing

Jesus got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13: 4-5

Jesus had a way of turning things upside-down! When the disciples met for a meal with their Lord, the last thing they would expected him to do was to wash their feet. They would never have washed each other’s feet. They were above that!

I was once with a football team on tour. The players were generally at semi-pro level. After the game all the players threw their match shirts on the floor and went to shower. Afterwards one of the players picked the shirts off the floor and put them in the basket. The player who did that was at the end of an illustrious career, during which he once scored three goals in an English Premier League game. That he was the one who took the role of a servant and picked the dirty, smelly shirts off the floor, spoke volumes about his character.

Jesus’ concept of servant leadership is as revolutionary today as it was then. People in modern society are very conscious of their status and importance – even in church life.

Think about the example of Jesus and about how you can serve others today by helping to tidy up after practice or taking an interest in someone who is “beneath” you in status. You don’t have to wash their feet literally but I am sure you get the idea.

Weekly sports email

Leave your email address if you wish to receive Stuart's weekly sports email: