John 13:1-11…
Jesus knew He was just a day from His death. So He wanted to illustrate to His disciples one of His greatest lessons. He was doing something that they did not as yet fully understand. Not simply why He was doing the act, but what it represented, what they had failed as yet to grasp. This was the lesson of humility, the great key to holiness and a loving hope.
The backdrop of this beautiful display of Jesus is a despicable display by the disciples. You see, Jesus began washing the disciples’ feet after the meal had already started. But foot washing normally occurred before the meal, when guests arrived. The point is that instead of looking at Jesus with awe and washing His feet, they were still arguing about who should be the greatest (Mark 9:33-34, 10:35-41 / Luke 9:46-48, 22:24-27). No one would stoop down to serve, and so Jesus gives them an object lesson.
Actually, they already had an example of this (Matthew 26:7-13 / Mark 14:6-9 / John 12:2-8). Consider that incident and the weight Christ places on it, and His reinforcing it here with His own example. Obviously humility of this nature is an integral part of living out the gospel in our lives. Humility is a facet of the gospel that must not be ignored (Philippians 2:5-8).
However, no matter how humble we may by grace become, it still is no match compared to our Master. Only Christ can humble Himself and give up everything for men who cannot give Him anything. Those we serve can give us the satisfaction of their thanks but here Christ, who is God, sees the utter wickedness of mankind.
Humility doesn’t mean poor, it doesn’t mean pious, and it doesn’t mean powerless. Humility means you trust God and you treasure God. Humility is surrendering your will to God’s will. We all want to be heroes. We would gladly wash the feet of Jesus, or even our brothers and sisters in Christ, but I want you to consider something. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him, but He ate with him anyway, and washed his feet also (Matthew 5:43-48).
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