Humility

3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

Main Point: Seeing Jesus as the ultimate servant. The greatest power comes with the greatest humility.

Do you recall who you thought had the most authority or power growing up? There are not many greater benchmarks of childhood than a group of kids arguing over who’s in charge. (i.e. see any group of kids left at the table of a local restaurant while their mom or dad is collecting their order) This makes me think of the safety patrols in elementary school, who got to wear those bright, fluorescent belts and tell kids to stay in line while we waited to be picked up from school. I could not wait to be a patrol and wear my belt proudly as a badge of honor. I wanted to be the one who the other kids looked up to and listened to. How mistaken was I, not realizing that the true essence of the role of safety patrol was protecting my peers and putting the concerns of others before myself.

In John chapter 13, Jesus emphasizes this point all the more by showing what the true essence of authority is. Verses 3 and 4 seem paradoxical or that there is no way they should follow each other. We find Jesus having a clear understanding that He is literally the most powerful being on the planet, and then immediately taking the position of a lowly servant. This is a vision of real power, and Jesus giving insight into what discipleship is meant to be. Discipleship is “do as I have done to you.”

Jesus also leaves us with a new commandment and definition of love. Love is called to the highest example, to be like Jesus. Consider this fact that chapter 13 makes apparent, Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him, yet and still, He broke bread with and loved him. What a dynamic vision of love, what an amazing example for us to follow.

Deeper Focus:

-How do you currently view and relate to those in authority in your life?

-We all will be given authority in one area or another, whether professionally, personally, in ministry, etc.

-How do you feel about serving others (washing feet)?

-Do you think you’d have been able to eat with and love Judas?

-Let’s take time today to pray and consider how we can love and serve like Jesus (be His disciples) more this year.