We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Michael Smith.
Bible Reading:
John 13:12-20
“12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand 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, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[a] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled,[b] ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
Word:
This passage is full of tremendous truth and terrible tragedy. It’s tremendous to consider that Jesus, the Creator of the universe, and the One whose overwhelming glory in both the Old and New Testament caused men to fall on their faces in fear, would take the role of a servant and wash the dirty, worn feet of the disciples.
It’s tremendous that Jesus knew that some lessons were better caught than taught, and that His humble act would be something that would burn in the disciple’s hearts and minds and eventually become an identifying characteristic of the apostles and the early church. However, it’s both terrible and tragic that Judas, knowing and seeing all of this, acted selfishly and “lifted his heel against” Jesus for a mere 30 pieces of silver.
How easy it is for us to act similarly, and to ignore Christ’s example of humble service in favor of our own desires for power and self glorification? To curb this tendency that is rooted deep in our hearts, may we make time daily to reflect on Jesus’ greatest act of humble, sacrificial love as he died on the cross in our place and rose from the dead to save us from our sins.
After securing our salvation and anchoring us with this hope, He once again “put on his outer garments” of perfect glory and “resumed His place” at the right hand of the throne of God the Father where He prays for us and has left us His Spirit to help us follow His path of humility!
Prayer:
God, help me keep and guard my heart with all vigilance and above all that I guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Please help me to remember that every good and perfect gift is from above. Let me find my identity in you at all times! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Skillwork:
Look for a way to serve someone in your sphere of influence (neighbor or circle of friends) this week.
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