John 13:3

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.

For meditation

We all have one problem. It reveals itself in many forms and in different settings. We may deny we have it, but it’s there nonetheless. We see it more in others and condemn it with disdain. Yet, all the time, it is like a plank in our own eye, and scorned by God. It is called pride – a prime characteristic of an earthly life before Christ. In its garb, we posture and threaten with our recognizable names, titles, positions, wealth, power, and influence.

“How could you ask me to do that menial job?”

“Do you know who I am?”

Pitifully, with one little slip, the tough talk is silenced, and the hard posture melts away like wax before the fire. That’s the folly of human beings. But, do we get it? Do we really know our life in Christ?

The truth is that those who know who they are in Christ do not throw their weight about or call attention to themselves. They are humble, calm, considerate, subservient, and at peace with themselves in every situation. They are the opposite of the Pharisees who toot their own horn wherever they are (Lk. 18:11).The truth however is that the tendency for pride to sneak in upon the child of God remains a reality. We have to be alert and resist it all the time.

Knowing the strong competitive spirit within His disciples, Jesus addressed it with an unforgettable display of humility at the Last Supper (Jn. 13:1-17). John records that before the meal; Jesus got up, took off His outer clothing, and began to wash the feet of His disciples (5). That was a job reserved for the least among all servants in that culture. Yet, the King of glory stooped that low to do it. By that example, Jesus demonstrated the secret behind His success in accomplishing the Father’s will and His earthly purpose. He was able to do that because He knew who He was – sovereign King of the universe; His inheritance – divine authority; and His origin and destiny – heaven (3)!

 It was an illustration of a self- emptied and self-sacrificed life that accomplishes the mandate of God for our lives (Phil. 2:5-8). And then He said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you … [for] no servant is greater than his master, and no messenger is greater than the one who sent him” (Jn. 13:15-16).

We are not too big to serve each other. We are not too accomplished to help the porter carry a heavy carton up a staircase. In fact, we are more Christlike when we descend from the pedestal of our position and power to serve the people around us. We’re true disciples of Jesus when we step into His shoes at the dinner table in the Upper room before the cross. And there are blessings to crown such humility for His glory.

Truth is better modeled in our life than verbally instructed.

Shalom