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“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God:” John 13:3 (KJV)
What we might expect to follow the above statement in scripture is, Jesus saying to his disciples: “I am the Christ, the Son of God. You must do as I say. You must bow the knee to me!” But, that is not what follows.
Instead, what we read is the account of our Lord and Saviour kneeling before each of his apostles and washing their feet. At no time in the history of this world have we seen such an act of humility. It wasn’t that he didn’t know who he was or the power he was given -- he knew full well. He was the Son of God, the Creator of heaven and earth. This Godly act was performed to reveal how true power and greatness should behave.
The apostles had been arguing earlier in the evening about who, among them, should be the greatest. Luke 22:24 (KJV) This was the last opportunity before his death, burial and resurrection to teach them what it meant to be great and yet humble. He started by laying aside his garments and girding himself with a towel. John 13:4 (KJV) This signified how he, the Son of God, put aside his divine nature to be clothed in human flesh in order to serve mankind. How perfectly, as our High Priest, he fulfilled the law of Ezekiel 44:19 (KJV).
When he finished washing the disciples’ feet, he took up his garments and sat down. John 13:12 (KJV) This he did to represent his return to his Father’s throne and his heavenly nature, once his work on earth was done. Thus, the scripture said, he knew “he was come from God, and went to God.”
Between his advent and his ascension, Jesus lived his life in servitude. He spent his time on earth as a living example of how his followers should live. He taught them the true meaning of love, compassion, forgiveness and humility. Between the removal of his garments and the taking up of his garments on his final night of freedom, he continued teaching his disciples by example. John 13:14-15 (KJV)
At first glance, it may appear Peter understands what humility is. After all, doesn’t believing the Lord is greater than you, and shouldn’t be stooping to wash your feet, John 13:6 (KJV) show your willingness to humble yourself before him? You may conclude that -- if the story ended there.
The “Christ, the Son of the Living God,” as Peter once described Jesus, Matthew 16:16 (KJV) tried to explain to his disciple to be patient. Though he didn’t understand it now, he would later. John 13:7 (KJV) This is where Peter’s lack of humility appears. His professed Messiah’s answer does not satisfy the bold fisherman. He insists Jesus is making a mistake and will never wash his feet. John 13:8a (KJV) Telling the God of the universe what he is or isn’t going to do is never an act of humility.
When Jesus answered him tersely, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me,” John 13:8b (KJV) Peter continues to show his unwillingness to follow the Savior’s stated plan. Again, it may appear he is showing just how much he loves the Lord by asking him to wash, not only his feet, but also his hands and his head, John 13:9 (KJV) but the truth is, he is still trying to improve on the plan God has clearly set before him. Jesus, once again, had to set his disciple straight; explaining the plan called for only his feet to be washed and why. John13:10 (KJV) This ended the lesson on humility.
So, what was the lesson the Lord was trying to teach the disciples, and by extension all of his followers? Humility is, not only believing that the Son of God is greater than all of us and that he deserves our worship. It is, understanding that his ways – whether we understand them or not -- are always right and perfect. It is not only about serving him, but allowing him to serve us. And, by extension it is not only about you or me serving others, but about allowing them to serve us when the situation calls for it.
Jesus taught, “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11 (KJV) He set the example through his unselfish life and death. We should all take heed to his words and follow his lead. He promises a blessing to all who do:
“If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17 (KJV)
You can contact the author Dusty Fontaine at [email protected].
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