MARCH 19, 2024
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” (John 13:16)
In this chapter, Jesus meets in a private setting with a smaller group, possibly only the twelve disciples. Before eating a meal, Jesus performs the work of a lowly servant, washing the disciples’ feet. He explains that this is an important lesson. Their Lord is willing to serve humbly, so they must do the same
.Vs. 12–20 is Jesus’ explanation of His humble act. Christ freely accepts His role as Lord and Master, using those concepts to drive home His main point. Those who claim the name of Jesus ought to follow His example. That means humility and service to others. If the Lord serves others, so should those who follow Him.
Peter’s initial reaction to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet shows how radical the act was. In the context of that culture, Peter assumed Jesus was denying His role as Lord. Jesus has already clarified that this is not the case. He is firmly embracing His authority over these men. Jesus is not lowering His authority but eliminating any excuse to forget humility and service. We remember the admonition given by His Apostle to the Philippians, and by extension to us: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…” (Phil. 2:5-7)
Here, Jesus continues to repeat this theme: servants are not “greater than” their masters. People cannot point to something their Lord does and say, “I’m too important, too valuable, or too good for that.” Washing someone’s feet, in that era, was among the most explicit expressions of humility one could expect. Jesus leaves no room for doubt in interpreting His actions: you are not above Me, so if I act humbly and in support of others, you have no right to refuse to do the same.
This incident overturns the natural human sense of leadership and community. Jesus had occasion to address this very issue when two of His inner circle were seeking to gain prominent positions in the government of His Kingdom. In answer to the request made by the sons of Zebedee that it be granted unto them to sit the one on His right hand and the other on His left, Jesus said, “…whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be yourservant.” (Matt. 20:26, 27) Believers mutually submit, support, and care for one another. Godly leaders are selfless servants, not superior snobs.
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