As I read this Scripture passage this morning, the "SO" hit me like a ton of bricks!
"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....poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet."
Jesus knew that He had all power and authority, and yet, what was His response? His immediate response was to lay down His authority and serve others.
This idea is foreign to our culture.
When power and authority are attained, we often see the "it's all about me" mentality, lavish lifestyles, and the forsaking of past values. Yet, Jesus, the One with all power and authority, embraces the "it's all about them" mentality, humbling Himself to the point of wiping the dirt and grime off of his friends' feet. He was willing to get into the messy and dusty parts of relationships. He wasn't worried about getting His cloak dirty or smelling like feet; He was focused on serving the hearts of the disciples.
Jesus' instant response to His power and authority knocked my socks off today! When God grants me a gift of any sort, I pray that I will be able to look to the needs of others rather than my own desires, and serve with humility and love. Instead of avoiding the dark and dirty parts of servanthood, I pray that I will find these areas compelling, and serve as Jesus did. I pray that I can learn, with God's grace, to embrace the "it's all about them" lifestyle.
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." - John 13:14-15 (NIV)
May you and your families have a blessed Easter!
- Carly
- Carly
