Jesus continually surprised the people around Him, forever doing the unexpected. Yet, in every way, Jesus’ actions backed up His claims. When He preached that His purpose was to serve and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45), it was not mere lip service. He

demonstrated His own humility by practical acts of love. As the disciples jostled among each other for the best place at the table and argued over who was greatest, Jesus quieted the competition with an ancient rite of service and humility. He washed their feet, illustration an earlier statement: “Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else” (Mark 9:35)