The meal was about to begin. Everyone was present and the table was set. Jesus knew that all power had been given to Him by the Father, SO He rose from the table to do something. Something that was NOT His responsibility, but it had not been done, and someone needed to do it. He replaced his outer garment with only a towel, and proceeded with a task that was normally reserved for the lowest level of all servants.
He knelt before each disciple, to their surprise, and washed their feet. Once finished, He put back on His robe and asked.
"Do you understand what I have just done?"
Ummm you washed our feet. Thanks Jesus, but really, you shouldn't have. I mean you're Jesus. (italics my imagination)
"I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done. Slaves are not greater than their masters. Nor is the messenger more important than the One who sends the message."
Think for a minute about what just happened and the last statement of Jesus.
He knew He had been given all Power from the Father, SO he took the place of a servant. He lowered himself to a place and fulfilled a role the others didn't even think about doing. Why didn't they step up...or in this case step down? Was it someone else's responsibility? Was the job beneath them? Were they too important? If that's the case, then wouldn't Jesus also had been too important?
Jesus was and is more important than the disciples and us. He is the one sending the message. The disciples were the messengers. We are His messengers. If Jesus lowers himself, and we are no greater than He, THEN we must lower ourselves, serve, and even at times do things that are not our responsibility.
Jesus was simply modeling what He had taught the disciples earlier in their relationship.
Matthew 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
I carry this verse in my heart daily as a reminder of the attitude of Jesus. Within the culture of the American Church today is growing the same entitlement mentality that caused Jesus' rebuke. James and John wanted to sit where they felt they deserved. The others became indignant and jealous. Many who believe they have "Reached IT" feel they are deserving of titles, rewards, and recognition. BUT JESUS WAS IT, had always and WILL ALWAYS be IT. Yet He sought no entitlement, but only to serve more than being served. Which do you seek, even unconsciously? Being a Leader entitles you to nothing more than Leading and SERVING those that you are responsible for.
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