DCLM Daily Manna 2025: DCLM Daily Manna 14 June 2025: The Power of Example
KEY VERSE: “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” – (John 13:4,5).
READ: John 13:1-11 (NIV)
13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
Billy Graham once shared a story about a black man who entered a church in Richmond, Virginia during communion after the Civil War. The congregation was shocked and angry until a distinguished man, Robert E. Lee, knelt beside him, setting an example of unity and compassion. Inspired by his actions, the congregation followed suit, showing acceptance and respect to all. This story demonstrates the power of leading by example and embracing diversity.
Today’s text reveals Christ as our all-time Model and Example. His humility is unique and unequalled. The first three verses reveal His deity as the Son of God, His unrivalled affection for His own (disciples), the unimpressive covert betrayal plot of one of the chosen apostles uncovered by the Lord, and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father’s mandate. It was epoch-making when the Lord of all creation stooped to wash His disciples’ feet. The greatest of all teachers has illustratively sent the message home! The need to serve and not to be served. They learned no better way that true greatness is found in self-abasement to honour others, not self. Faithful followers of the Master should be willing followers in humility and self-denial.
Every day we have opportunities to show our love for Jesus by serving others, just as He did by washing the feet of His disciples. Engaging cheerfully in menial tasks at church, supporting the less privileged, caring for the elderly, sick, and vulnerable church members, and praying for our leaders are some ways we can demonstrate our love for Jesus. Visiting those in need, supporting widows, and guiding new believers are all ways to follow Jesus’ example of serving others and showing love for Him.
Our desire as Christians should be as captured, briefly in the hymn’s refrain by Thomas Obadiah Chisholm: O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. We should all pray that we would be like our Master and Saviour so that our lives and conduct will exude His likeness and many will be brought to His saving knowledge.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If we live no exemplary life, it means we’ve learned nothing from Christ’s example.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 21-22
Daily Manna 14 June 2025
