In John 13, we find Jesus at the end of His earthly ministry. Knowing that His time was near, He shared one final lesson with His disciples. After supper, Jesus did something unexpected.
He laid aside His garments, put on a towel, and began to wash the feet of His disciples. This simple act shocked the disciples, especially Peter. Peter could hardly believe that Jesus, the Son of God, would stoop to such a lowly task.
When Peter protested, Jesus told him, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me” (John 13:8). In that moment, Jesus wasn’t just washing feet; He was teaching a lesson about humility and service. He showed that true greatness is found in serving others.
After washing their feet, Jesus explained what He had done. In John 13:17, He said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
Here, Jesus revealed the secret to happiness. It wasn’t enough just to understand the importance of serving others; they had to do it. The joy He spoke of came from action, not just knowledge.
What was Jesus referring to? One simple word: serving.
When we serve others and meet their needs, it brings joy into our own lives. This act of putting others first fills our hearts with thankfulness and contentment.
Many studies show that people who focus only on themselves often lead unhappy lives. One research article from the Harvard Health Publishing explains that those who regularly help others, whether through volunteering or simple acts of kindness, tend to have lower rates of depression and higher levels of happiness. On the other hand, focusing solely on self often leads to dissatisfaction.
Social media, which often promotes self-focus and comparison, has been linked to feelings of loneliness and unhappiness. Studies have shown that the more time people spend on social media, the more likely they are to feel isolated and discontent.
But serving others is different. It’s a joy-bringer! When we put others before ourselves, we experience the true happiness that Jesus spoke of.
Here are a few verses that highlight the importance of serving others:
• Galatians 5:13: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
• Philippians 2:3-4: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
• Matthew 20:28: “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Serving others requires humility and a willing heart. Jesus demonstrated that to His disciples by washing their feet, and He calls us to follow His example. The happiness He spoke of is not found in self-promotion, but in meeting the needs of others. It’s a joy that comes from obeying His call to serve, and it’s a happiness that grows each time we put others first.
So, let’s take Jesus’ words to heart: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
True happiness comes when we stop focusing on ourselves and start serving others. When we do, we’ll find that joy and thankfulness follow, just as Jesus promised.
