Servants Who Wait
Scripture
“If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.”
– John 13:14–15 (NASB)
Devotion
In the upper room, Jesus showed us what real waiting looks like: serving. While He was waiting for the cross, waiting for betrayal, waiting for the Father’s plan to unfold, He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed His disciples’ feet.
The sermon said: “We need to learn how to be servants while we wait.” That cuts against our instincts. In difficult seasons, our focus usually narrows: “My stress, my problems, my future.” But Jesus, in His most pressured hours, bent low and served.
Waiting well is not self-absorption; it’s Christlike service. You may not be able to fix your situation, but you can wash feet—practically:
This is part of how God keeps you from stalling—He keeps your eyes off yourself and sets them on Him and on others. Serving in the waiting doesn’t minimize your pain; it gives it purpose.
Reflection
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for washing the disciples’ feet and showing me what humble service looks like. I confess that in hard seasons I often become self-focused. Open my eyes to see the needs of others, and give me a servant’s heart. Show me specific ways to wash feet this week, even as I wait on You. In Your name, amen.
“If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.”
– John 13:14–15 (NASB)
Devotion
In the upper room, Jesus showed us what real waiting looks like: serving. While He was waiting for the cross, waiting for betrayal, waiting for the Father’s plan to unfold, He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed His disciples’ feet.
The sermon said: “We need to learn how to be servants while we wait.” That cuts against our instincts. In difficult seasons, our focus usually narrows: “My stress, my problems, my future.” But Jesus, in His most pressured hours, bent low and served.
Waiting well is not self-absorption; it’s Christlike service. You may not be able to fix your situation, but you can wash feet—practically:
- Encourage someone who’s struggling.
- Help meet a physical need.
- Listen to someone’s story.
- Pray with someone who’s hurting.
- Use your gifts in the church even when your life isn’t perfect.
This is part of how God keeps you from stalling—He keeps your eyes off yourself and sets them on Him and on others. Serving in the waiting doesn’t minimize your pain; it gives it purpose.
Reflection
- Has your season of waiting turned you inward—only focused on yourself?
- Who around you might need their “feet washed” in a practical, loving way this week?
- How could you serve in your church or family even while your own prayers are still unanswered?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for washing the disciples’ feet and showing me what humble service looks like. I confess that in hard seasons I often become self-focused. Open my eyes to see the needs of others, and give me a servant’s heart. Show me specific ways to wash feet this week, even as I wait on You. In Your name, amen.