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b'READ: MATTHEW 23:1-12; LUKE 22:25-26; JOHN 13:1-17, 34-35\\n\\n\\n\\nWyran, kitchen servant in the palace of Ardh, studied the king\\u2019s table, ensuring that not a single grape was out of place. King Terrian had insisted that everything be perfect for his guest.\\n\\n\\n\\nFor months, the territory had echoed with praises for the ruler of the distant kingdom of Beulah and his seemingly supernatural abilities. King Elam. \\u201cA formidable foe in war and a valuable ally in peace,\\u201d King Terrian had called him. Still, Wyran was sure the stories were mostly fictitious\\u2014after all, a king who could control the weather and raise the dead? Just part of some intimidation plot, no doubt. Wyran expected to be run ragged during the foreign king\\u2019s entire visit, fetching and retrieving anything this royal desired. In Wyran\\u2019s experience, the more powerful a leader was, the more pitiful he made those beneath him feel.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhen King Terrian and his guest swept into the hall moments later, servants flew into action, pulling out chairs, adjusting robes, and producing glimmering basins to wash the feet of both kings. But to Wyran\\u2019s shock, the visiting king waved the servants away with a gentle sweep of his hand and, instead, carried one of the basins to Wyran. He gestured to his own seat at the king\\u2019s table, indicating that Wyran should take his place.\\n\\n\\n\\nWyran stood paralyzed. Surely the famous King Elam was not going to clean a servant\\u2019s feet! To even sit in a royal\\u2019s chair could mean execution. Unless this visitor was using Wyran to show off his supernatural abilities\\u2014if he truly could restore life, who knew what limits his terrible power had.\\n\\n\\n\\nBut in the following moments, there were no supernatural tricks or transformations\\u2014only the gentle swishing of water as the king cleansed Wyran\\u2019s feet and wiped them dry with his own robe. King Terrian, who had been watching in shocked silence, finally spluttered, \\u201cStop! I cannot have it known that the great King Elam washed my servant\\u2019s feet!\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nKing Elam, still kneeling, smiled gently and replied, \\u201cBetter had it been known you had done so yourself.\\u201d \\u2022 Valerie Principe\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cThe greatest among you will be your servant.\\u201d Matthew 23:11 (CSB)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 Today\\u2019s allegorical story is based on John 13:1-17 when Jesus, the King of the universe, washed His disciples\\u2019 feet. Most earthly leaders see ruling as a right to be served, but Jesus ruled by serving others. When people saw Jesus commanding nature and raising people from the dead, they were amazed by His power and authority. And when they saw how Jesus interacted with those who were considered the least of society, some were amazed by His love and humility\\u2014and some were offended. Consider taking a moment to reread John 13:1-17, and then imagine Jesus washing your feet. What do you notice? How do you feel?\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 Washing His disciples\\u2019 feet wasn\\u2019t the only way Jesus served His people. When Jesus died on the cross, carrying the shame of our sins, He was performing the greatest act of service the world would ever know. Though all people are wicked and sinful, deserving of death, the King of the entire universe loves us so much, He willingly suffered the punishment of a criminal so that we could become members of His royal family forever. He conquered death and sin when He rose from the grave, and now He invites us to put our trust in Him. King Jesus waits with outstretched arms for anyone who will receive His gift and believe in Him. If you have questions about what it means to put your trust in Jesus and become part of His royal family, who are trusted Christians you could talk to? (You can also find out more on our "Know Jesus" page.)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 When are you tempted to try to impress those around you? In these times, we can look to Jesus.'