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

John 13:3

For Meditation
Jesus never ceases to amaze me. I am trying to see through my sanctified imagination, an earthly king or queen, with their majestic robe thrown onto a chair, a towel wrapped around their waist, kneeling at the dusty and sometimes stinking feet of their subjects, washing and drying them before they sit to dine with him or her. Perhaps a President or some politician may do it, but only when the cameras are flashing away at dazzling speed. Photo op they call it, isn’t it? Some Pastors do it as demonstration of Christ’s example; but how many do it with sincerity and love for those they are serving? And that, only when the house is full, and the act is in full glare of the congregation.

When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, it was purposeful (Jn. 13:1-17). It was a practical demonstration of His unconditional and endless love for His own in the world. “Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (Jn. 13:1). He demonstrated an upside-down style of leadership – servant leadership. It was a practical demonstration of His attitude in coming into the world to save the lost (Phil. 2:5-8). Jesus used the occasion to teach and bequeath to His disciples, a priceless heavenly heritage to cherish and use to serve others.  

There were no cameras. The crowd had gone home. The Upper Room location was private, and admission was exclusive. No one would have known, but for the Holy Spirit’s revealing for our sake and example to emulate.

The best part of it is what the Spirit reveals about the state of Jesus’s mind. He knew the end of His earthly ministry had come (Jn. 13:1). He knew the Father had made Him Lord over all things. He knew from where He had come and where He was going to (3). There was no ambiguity about His being. Concerning His nature as God, Jesus was confident in Himself. There was therefore, no complex in Him. He could be a servant and God at the same time. He needed no human applause or recognition (2:24). Washing His disciple’s feet took nothing away from Him as their ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ (13:13). So, He concluded the lesson to the disciples: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (15). But sad to say, that’s our problem today. We have set ourselves as kings to be adored and worshipped. Even as His leaders, we struggle and destroy ourselves for position and recognition. It’s all because we have not fully apprehended who we are in Christ.

If you know who you are in Him, you don’t seek human recognition and praise. You don’t fight for position. You can serve at any level. You can bend down and wash the stinking feet of the people around you, just as Jesus did as example for us to follow. That’s the bed rock of meekness – strength under control. It is the most essential prerequisite for humility – bringing one’s self under the authority of God and the Lordship of Christ Jesus. It is dying to self and living for Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is Christ-like living that earns the title “Christian.”

Jesus modeled this life through His entire earthly sojourn. Can we as His disciples do that with genuine love and sincerity of heart?

That’s my challenge and yours before Him today.

Shalom