Morning Devotional 031926 Humble Servants

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

March 19, 2026

John 13:6-17

6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.” 8 “No!” Peter said. “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t have a place with me.” 9 Simon Peter said, “Lord, not only my feet but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus responded, “Those who have bathed need only to have their feet washed, because they are completely clean. You disciples are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 He knew who would betray him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you is clean.” 12 After he washed the disciples’ feet, he put on his robes and returned to his place at the table. He said to them, “Do you know what I’ve done for you? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you speak correctly, because I am. 14 If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do. 16 I assure you, servants aren’t greater than their master, nor are those who are sent greater than the one who sent them. 17 Since you know these things, you will be happy if you do them.

Good Morning, it’s a beautiful morning to praise the Lord.

Through Christ, we are washed clean so that we might serve the Lord, our God. This conversation with Peter reminds us that we must first humble ourselves before God and one another. 

Jesus came and walked among us to teach us by his example. God’s way contradicts everything that we are taught about success. Our earthly treasures are of little significance compared to living in Christ. 

In 2 Corinthians 4:18, Paul reminds us, “We don’t focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can’t be seen. The things that can be seen don’t last, but the things that can’t be seen are eternal.”

We are to spend our time lifting others up rather than using them as stepping stones. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! Help us to overcome our desires to be first, and teach us to lead others so that the last will be first. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: God defines greatness by service, not status.

Be joyful in service to others! Pastor Liz