April 14, 2014 John 13:3–5 (ESV) Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. Am I a Servant? Our bookstore shelves are lined with book after book on leadership. There are just as many books on self-esteem and self promotion. It seems we cannot get enough of how we can be number one in life and how to feel the best about who we are. Jesus had no self-esteem problem, and he was a leader of many who followed him wherever he went. Near the end of his life, however, he descends to wash the dirty feet of his disciples the night before his betrayal, trial, scourging, and crucifixion would occur. Instead of devising a battle plan, as most good leaders would do, he stoops low in servant-hood. When he could have been discussing a safe retreat with his followers, he was choosing to stay put and minister to others rather than attend to his own safety. Jesus time had come, and the purpose for his incarnation was clear to him. He needed to leave a lasting example for all of us on how we are to view others in relationship to ourselves. It is truly difficult to serve other people from a loving and humble heart. There are certainly some individuals I love to serve because they love me in return. But Jesus was willing to serve everyone, even Judas who would betray him just hours after having his feet washed by Jesus. Could you wash those feet? Could you stoop low in unconditional love and humility and wipe the dirt off from the soles and between the toes of an enemy? Next to the cross, this may be the greatest visual image of who Jesus truly was that we are left with. When I look around the people in my own church, am I willing to wash their feet and love them in spite of our many differences? Can I put myself so far in the background that not only do I wash their feet, but I do so with a willing, loving, and ungrudging heart? This is the heart I am praying for for myself. I am not there, but by Gods grace Im on the right road. Before I can truly learn to be a leader, I must first learn to stoop low as a servant. Question for Growth Are you willing to wash the feet of those who are not willing to wash yours? Prayer Father, help me to wash my brothers feet while expecting nothing in return. Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 12:31:46 +0000
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