“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He.” John 13:15-19
Devotional Thought For The Day
Of critical importance is that we know that Jesus is the One, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. He knew who would betray Him, He knew that the cross lay ahead of Him, He knew the burden He would be bearing and suffering the wrath of God for – the sin and guilt of the whole world, He knew that He would die, and of course He knew that He would prevail, that the redemption of the world would be completed, “finished,” and that He would rise again in glory. All that He said and did was intended to bring this blessed knowledge to us so that we too might believe that He is the Christ, the Savior Who takes away our sin and guilt, and blesses us with eternal life. For the judgment and Word of God stands sure: “He that believes the Son has everlasting life.”
Not all believe this – “I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.'” For those who do know and believe the love that God has for us, the Lord Jesus wants us to know that we have been called to follow in His blessed path of service and love to one another. He washed the disciples’ feet – perhaps one of the lowliest forms of service, but full of compassion and caring. He bids us do the same – so that knowing that we are not above Him, we might be sure and certain that we too are called to serve one another no matter the cost. That includes serving those who do not understand, who are yet to truly know Christ’s love, and even those who are willing to eat our bread and then lift their heel against us. We are to remember that just as Jesus, though humbled and apparently abused and rejected, ultimately prevailed and was vindicated – and so shall we in the end, for we are His redeemed children, His servants, and His followers. And so, knowing His love, and following in the path of His love, we too are willing to serve in whatever humble ways we are able.
It is a difficult and painful thing for us to enter into this kind of service. It flies completely against our sinful nature – which demands the ease and privilege of others serving us, the prestige of having high position and honor, and the safety of insuring that no one would ever betray our trust. So to serve in this manner requires denial of self and taking up one’s cross. Like the disciples, we have much to confess in this and a long way to go in becoming willing to serve as Jesus bids us. But we know that He is the One, that His blood cleanses us from all sin. And we know His patience, gentleness, and compassion toward us, and just how He continues to serve us in love day by day. As we reflect upon these things we become more willing to take our place with Him, to enter into His serving of others, and to take seriously His instruction: “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” May He grant us blessedness to obey Him in this.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, how easy it is to focus on the tasks that serve us, the things that must be accomplished for our survival and prosperity, and to be too busy to attend to serving the needs of others. We don’t really want to be humble and servile, and we don’t want to risk vulnerability. Forgive us for our failures and assure us of Your ongoing love and protection. In the strength of Your love for us enable us to grow in our love and our willingness to serve. Amen.