What Jesus Wants You To Know – Part 2

Jesus Wants You to Know that Humility is Essential

John 13:12–17 (NASB95) — 12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 “Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”

Humility is rarely natural. It’s not unusual to hear a child respond to a compliment with “I know” rather than “thank you.” Hopefully, parents teach their children to accept a compliment humbly.

Like a loving parent, Jesus wanted to teach His disciples humility. He modeled it for them by washing their feet. Afterwards, He asked if they understood His actions. He explained that because He was Teacher and Lord, they were to follow His example and wash one another’s feet. As teacher, Jesus instructed by example. As Lord, He expected them to follow His pattern.

Jesus’ example and command apply to His followers today. While Scripture never places foot washing on par with the church ordinances, Jesus’ modeling of humility remains vital for our spiritual growth. Christians are to live and serve with humility. Often, God calls us to serve in situations where others aren’t willing. Only slaves and servants washed feet. Yet, Jesus willingly did so. To follow His example, we must be willing to do what others will not.

We don’t have the luxury of telling God no. No task is too menial. No calling is too insignificant. No service is too small. God calls us to obedience, and it takes humility to obey. Obedience acknowledges authority. Obeying God acknowledges His Lordship.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we must choose to be humble. Not tooting your own horn could mean that the horn never plays. Are you willing for God alone to see your good works? Or, do you find yourself manipulating circumstances to receive recognition?

As Jesus stooped to wash His disciple’s feet, He showed that we must all be deliberately humble. Have you made that choice?