When Jesus knelt down to wash his students’ feet, Peter tried to deny him when it was his turn. Why? Peter didn’t want Jesus to be put in a position where he was doing such a low task, a job reserved for servants. But not so Jesus could save face, but to avoid Peter’s own humiliation.

Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

John 13:16

Peter, in that moment, is our good bad example. He was too good for Jesus. Don’t wash my feet, Jesus, I don’t want to be a foot-washer. Don’t visit the sick Jesus, I don’t want to be around illness. Don’t welcome the prostitutes, Jesus, I don’t want to be around that kind of people. Don’t show mercy, Jesus, I want revenge. Don’t be selfless, Jesus, I want to be selfish.

Are we too good for Jesus? Or do we follow our master who was himself a servant?

Ethan Kirl