LOVE OF A HUMBLE SERVANT

JOHN 13:1–5

After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded

(John 13:5).

Whether it be through preaching or miracles, Jesus’ divine authority has been at the forefront of this Gospel. Just last month, as we studied chapters 11 and 12, we read three accounts of Christ’s exalted nature: the raising of Lazarus from the dead, the anointing by Mary, and His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Now, the narrative takes a sudden turn, Jesus’ robes of majesty are laid aside, and a loin cloth of humility is donned. The disciples, including the scheming Judas, had gathered in the upper room just before the Passover feast. They were alone with Jesus. It would have been customary for a servant to wash their dusty feet, but no servant was present. Therefore, one of the disciples should have volunteered to perform the duty. But none did. Instead, Jesus stood before them, shed His garments, and wrapped a loin cloth about His waste like a common slave. Then, He knelt and proceeded to wash their feet.

The motivation for this humble act was nothing less than love. It was Jesus’ love for His people that caused Him to shed His glory, to take a position of a lowly servant, to stoop to lift their dirty feet (even those of Judas), and ultimately to die a slow and painful death. John writes that Jesus knew His “hour” had arrived, and “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” The way in which He expressed that love was to humble Himself and to serve them as any common slave would serve His master. Like Abigail who stooped to wash the feet of King David, and Mary who anointed Her Lord’s feet with oil, Jesus lifted the filthy, stinking feet of His disciples and washed them clean.

Notice that Jesus shed His garments. This is symbolic of how Christ put aside His glory for a season so that He might humble Himself, even to death on a cross, for the salvation of His people. In washing their feet, Jesus showed how He alone, as their servant, would wash their souls by His own death. Such was the supreme love of Christ! Can we pass by such an account without reflecting on our own need to love others by humbling ourselves even in the most menial acts of service? May we follow the example of our Lord and love with humble hearts and serve with willing hands

CORAM DEO

Psalm 65–67

Romans 2

WEEKEND

Psalm 68–72

Romans 3–4

Think of something you can do, an act of humble service that you can perform, for another person this week. It can be for someone in your church who is in need, or someone in your family, or it can be some service to the poor. Let this not be your only act of service. Make it a way of life as you cultivate a servant’s heart.

For further study: Matt. 26:17–30 • Mark 14:12–26 • Luke 22:7–23 • Phil. 2:1–8

WEEKEND