Jesus had just washed His disciples’ feet. But they did not really understand. So He explained that, although He was their Teacher and Master, it was not wrong for Him to serve them. Indeed, it was essential. Although we might think we can do whatever we want by ourselves, it is not true. We cannot. There are many things which only God can do for us. That is why Jesus came: so that our sins could be taken away and we could be filled with the Holy Spirit and welcomed into God’s presence.
 
Jesus told the disciples that they must serve each other. Of course, it is not possible for anybody, except Jesus, to wash away sin; but we can certainly announce the gospel, explain it, and persuade others to believe it. That is one of the finest ways of serving people’s deepest need; and for believers to help each other to stay clean before God. Gentle encouragement to stay humble, to repent and stay in close relationship with God should be a normal part of our fellowship with each other.
 
And there are many other ways in which we can serve. Practically, we can meet physical needs. We can spend time helping people through difficulty. Spiritual help will include listening and sharing testimony, reflecting on Bible truth to help people grow strong spiritually. But like Peter, who resisted the idea that Jesus should be involved with his dirty feet, we often find it difficult to let a Christian brother or sister help us when everything is not good in our lives. Because we may be sensitive about letting others help us, we may well be reluctant to attempt helping others - especially when it means taking the role of a servant. But Jesus has commanded us to care for one another, not as a master to dictate and manage someone’s life, but as a servant - to sacrifice self-interest and meet their needs whatever the cost.