Recently, I spent some time working through and teaching on the amazing verses found in John 13:1-20.
10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. 20 I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”
There are many themes running through these verses, but here is the big picture: messengers of Jesus (that’s you and me), both then and today, should “go low” in humility and service. This is not only because Jesus did it, and not only because verse 17 says it is the most deeply joyful way of life, but also because you are clean.
Messengers of Jesus know their true, unshakable standing with God as “completely clean” (verse 10) and they don’t claim that they have no sin. But they know how to deal with their ongoing sin.
Messengers depend on God on a daily basis and receive daily renewal. When Jesus offers to “wash their feet” they say, “Yes. I know I am clean — I am born again, I am saved. I am justified. I have eternal life. I am a child of God. But I have sinned and I receive the “daily foot-washing”, the renewed cleansing of Jesus.”
Because Jesus went low, and because going low is the path of joy, and because you are completely clean, don’t exalt yourself. Instead, go low in humble service.
This is a charge to all of us as Christians. Pastors, go low. Heads of households, go low. Small Group leaders, go low. Presidents of companies, owners, supervisors, managers, go low. Mom and Dad, go low. Big brothers and sisters, go low. ‘A’ students, go low. Good athletes, go low. Great musicians, go low. Pretty teenage girls, go low. Cool hipster dudes, go low.
Christian, go low. You represent your Savior! To know His joy, and because you are completely clean, humble yourself this week and follow the example of Christ.
Going low,
Steele
Posted in A Word from the Pastor