Kneeling in Service

The U.S. government provides a military funeral for members of the Armed Forces upon request of the family. It often features guards of honor, the firing of volley shots as a salute, the playing of “Taps” by a lone bugler, and a flag-draped coffin. There are several types of military funerals, including standard honor, full honor, and armed forces.

One of the most moving parts of the ceremony is the presentation of the flag to the next of kin by an honor guard. After the flag is meticulously folded, the presenter will usually kneel while presenting the flag and then state: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States [Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”

When Christ knelt to wash the feet of His disciples, He demonstrated that He “loved them to the end” (John 13:1). Kneeling before these followers, who would later abandon Him, He showed them that the highest form of love is self-sacrificing service. Paul also affirmed, “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

The very act of kneeling down is a reminder to not lift oneself up in feelings of supremacy. It is showing love without jealousy or prejudice. It is a call to love all people—regardless of culture, race, gender, or nationality. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

There is no greater form of faithful service than to kneel and perform the honorable duty of washing the feet of a fellow-member of the body of Christ. In following the example of Jesus, you will demonstrate honorable and faithful service for the government of heaven.

Apply It:

Watch a military funeral and specifically observe the flag presentation where the officer kneels before the family member.

Dig Deeper:

Matthew 20:28; 1 Corinthians 9:19; Philippians 2:5–11

Key Bible Texts

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13 KJV)