January 10, 2018
“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.” – John 13:3-5
As human beings, it is part of our nature to find ways to place ourselves over others. And any time we begin to argue about who is first among us, we are, by default, arguing about who we are going to consider least among us. Our desire to be first is often driven by our fear of being last. But Jesus has taught us a beautiful way to do away with this fear all together.
As Jesus and his disciples gathered in the upper room the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples began to argue about who was the greatest. So Jesus took this opportunity to show them what was truly great. You see, each of them knew without a doubt that Jesus was the greatest. They had seen him do incredible miracles; even walking on water and raising the dead. But instead of joining in the debate, Jesus did something incredible; he performed the job of the lowliest servant. By doing this, Jesus taught us how to truly be great in God’s system. So, as Richard Foster states, “The spiritual authority of Jesus is an authority not found in a position or a title, but in a towel.”
Father, give us the wisdom to run from the world’s desire for power and authority, and give us the strength to do the greatest thing of all; humble service.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon <><