The Scripture for today is John 13:2-9 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
On Sunday, Pastor taught us about a king who came not with worldly might and fanfare, but in humility. Not to conquer, but to save. Jesus knew that God the Father had put all things under his power. Jesus possessed ALL POWER – creation, healing, resurrection, and ultimately salvation. Our Savior, possessing power over all things, knew that he came from God and would return to God. WHAT ASSURANCE! Jesus knew exactly who he was, who he came from and who he would return to. WHAT FREEDOM! Jesus needed no earthly thing, he was sufficient unto himself. Jesus didn’t bask in his power, didn’t relax until the coming trial and suffering upon the cross – instead, he got up from the dinner table, removed his nice clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist and began washing the disciples’ feet.
These verses are convicting. I do not possess power, but my Savior does. When I am weak and weary – he is mighty and powerful. What I cannot accomplish in my own strength – my Father can accomplish through me. I am God’s creation, created in his own image, created to love and serve him first and foremost. Because Jesus died for me, I will join my Father in his heavenly house. WHAT ASSURANCE! My Savior has prepared a place for me! WHAT FREEDOM! When this earthly life is over, I will be with my Father in heaven. NOTHING came separate me from the love of God! I am his daughter, his beloved child, - a child redeemed by the blood of my Savior.
Am I like Jesus, getting up from the table of his provision, removing my nice clothes in order to put on a towel and get my hands dirty in service to others? Resting in the assurance and freedom found in him – do I recline at the table, seeking to be served? OR am I seeking him and the opportunities he gives me to serve others?
Lord Jesus, thank you for the beautiful example of love, humility and service toward others. Thank you for providing assurance and freedom – gifts that I can share with your lost ones. Help me to seek your will in service to others. I love you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Kelly