“Having loved his own who were in the
world, he now showed them the full extent
of his love.” John 13:1
Jesus loved his disciples. Like many today,
they did not realize the depth of his love. On
a night that should have centered on the
Passover meal, the disciples were surprised
with training in true servanthood.
Taking the task of a menial servant, Jesus
began washing the feet of his disciples. In
total disbelief, Peter quickly asked what
others were thinking, “Lord, are You going
to wash my feet?” (vs. 6)
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what
I am doing, but later you will understand.”
(Vs. 7)
Later, after having washed all their feet,
Jesus then asked, “Do you understand what I
have done for you?”
Carefully read how Jesus proceeds to answer
his own question:
“You call me Teacher (Rabbi) and Lord,
and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now
that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed
your feet, you also should wash one
another’s feet.”
In a culture obsessed with position, prestige
and power, Jesus demonstrated true servant
leadership. They held him high as a Teacher
and Lord. But He willingly took on the most
humbling of tasks on their behalf by
washing their feet. He revealed the heart of a
true leader. Not power, not prestige and not
position but love: A sincere desire to help
others see and know God’s divine nature,
exhibited through his life of love. He then
challenged them to do the same to one
another.
In a similar culture obsessed with titles:
Senior Pastor, Lead Pastor, Apostle or
Bishop and education: Seminary Training,
Master’s Degrees and Doctorates, Jesus
modeled something much different. He had
no formal training and held on to no titles.
Though a great teacher, preacher and healer,
Jesus is best known for his love and
sacrifice.,
Is it the people we love? Or power, prestige,
or position?
What is our true motivation?
What are we willing to do for others?
Will you accept the most menial task?
Ultimately, Jesus would show his
willingness to die for his disciples.
What are we willing to do?
Striving to love more…Bro. Sherman
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