We live in a world where looking after number 1 is the first priority. Jesus shows us a different way. Jesus was prepared to be a servant but still understood his rightful place as head of the table, but didn’t exploit that authority. As we get closer to Easter Friday may we consider again the cost of the Cross
John 13 vs. 12-17 – Christ’s Example
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand
What I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.
Jesus didn’t stay garbed as a servant or continue to bow before the disciples the role he did dis-band
Rather he put his robe back on and resumed his rightful place at the head of the table and said I am
Your “Teacher” and “Lord” I am the one from whom you have learnt and have walked with in this land
You have seen me heal the sick, the blind, the crippled, cast out demons, you know who and what I am
I have demonstrated my authority here on Earth, but I am not with you much longer my death is at hand
Tonight I have shown you my love by my actions, I didn’t need to do it as you know, but that’s who I am
And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash
Each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
I have given you an example of selflessness, greatness is not in having loads of cash
Nor is leadership shown by being high and mighty or demeaning or lording it over you,
Rather it is about being prepared to demonstrate what is required and not being rash
I call you to be slow to anger, to do what you have seen me do, keep it firmly in view
I tell you the truth; slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important
Than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
Don’t puff yourselves up, place importance in who you are or argue with each other and be discordant
For in doing this you do not bear witness of me on this Earth, I call you to this world save and redeem
For you are to be my messengers to tell of me after I am gone, and to show people what is important
Not money, wealth, treasure on Earth for seeking after these things is in vain, to be treated with disdain
But you are to call people to repentance, to follow me and to teach them my ways, to of me be observant
My Father in heaven will see when you do the things I have shown you and will bless you for doing them
Mark Maffey, May 2008
(NLT)