The Humility of Jesus
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, as look to understanding true leadership through the example of Jesus, open our hearts to the humility He demonstrated. May Your Holy Spirit guide us to embrace this humility in our own lives. Amen.
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 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. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, 'Lord, are you going to wash my feet?' Jesus replied, 'You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.' 'No,' said Peter, 'you shall never wash my feet.' Jesus answered, 'Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.'"
REFLECT:
In this passage, we witness a profound act of humility by Jesus. Despite knowing His divine authority and origin, Jesus chose to serve His disciples by washing their feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. This act was not just about physical cleanliness but symbolized the spiritual cleansing and humility required to follow Him. The cultural context of foot washing in Jesus' time was significant; it was a menial task, yet Jesus used it to demonstrate that true leadership is rooted in service and humility.
In his message this past weekend, Pastor Elliott highlights that humility was not a valued trait before Jesus introduced it. In our lives, we often equate leadership with power and authority, but Jesus redefines it as service and humility. This challenges us to reflect on our own lives: Are we willing to lower ourselves to serve others, even when we have the power to do otherwise? Jesus' humility is a call to action for us to embody this trait in our daily interactions, whether at home, work, or in our communities.
As we consider the humility of Jesus, we are reminded that it is not a natural human trait but a divine one. It requires us to set aside our pride and ego, recognizing that our worth is not in our status but in our service to others. This humility is a reflection of Jesus' love for us, a love that is selfless and sacrificial. By embracing humility, we align ourselves with the character of Christ, allowing His love to flow through us to others.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will follow the Greatest Of All Time this week, and it's Jesus.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of humility You have set for us. Help us to serve others with the same love and humility You showed. May our actions reflect Your character and draw others closer to You. Amen.