Too often we get caught up in feeling that we need more education, more study, more teaching, more, more, more. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, He was giving them a lesson in being the servant of servants. He didn’t tell them what to do; He showed them.
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. (John 13:12-15)
Later on in the gospel of John, Jesus told the disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (13:34).
How did Jesus love them? By serving them, teaching them, wanting what was best for each of them, having patience with them, spending time with them, being their authority.
In Matthew 4:21-23, the disciples saw Jesus model teaching, preaching, and healing. He demonstrated for them compassion, faith, and love. He taught in order to show them a concern for understanding and communicating with others. He healed to show them a concern for the connection between body, mind, and spirit. He preached to others to show them God’s plan for their lives and the importance of immersing ourselves in the Word of God.
As we disciple, let us be like Jesus; “do-ers” as well as talkers.
Taken from The Spiritual Mentor,by Jim Grassi