Power In Humility

Power In Humility

Read: John 13:1-20

I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

John 13:15

THE NIGHT BEFORE his crucifixion, Jesus made a remarkable statement by washing his disciples’ feet. It was a commendable and surprising act of service that his friends initially resisted—they felt that he, as Master, should not put himself in such a position. But when he insisted and they realized he meant it as a picture of their cleansing, they complied. He told them to follow his example and serve others as well.

That alone is a worthwhile picture, but Jesus was also painting a portrait his followers would not understand until much later. Philippians 2:5-11 tells us how he emptied himself of his own deity in order to live as a man, took the form of a servant, lived in obedience—even to the point of death—and then was exalted. When he washed his disciples’ feet, he acted out this stunning trajectory by taking off his normal clothing and wearing the towel of a servant (verse 4), meeting the needs of sinful human beings by cleansing them, then clothing himself again in his original attire, and sitting down as though his job were finished (verse 12). In one simple act—one of his last on earth—Jesus manifested the sacrifice he had already embraced in the spiritual realm. He left behind the privileges of Godhood; as a human being, his power came through dependence on the Father. He came to serve.

That act of service and many others were an affront to the spirit of the world. The pride that prompted and fueled human rebellion cannot grasp such selflessness. Jesus overcame our self-centeredness with his humility—a counterintuitive tactic in this clash of kingdoms, but a fitting one. And it was effective, too. His humility took him to the cross as his enemies kept offending and kept assuming their aggression would win the battle. They had no idea that they were reinforcing the character of the Kingdom and the King, and that they were playing perfectly into the divine plan. His capacity to suffer was far greater than their ability to destroy.

If you want to overcome the world, use the weapons you already know: faith, love, wisdom, prayer. But also use the weapons of humility and service. Enemies don’t know what to do with that. God does. It becomes his opportunity for meeting needs, changing hearts, and demonstrating the power of his love.

PRAYER

Jesus, following this example runs against my nature, but I know it will conform me to yours. Give me opportunities to serve others and demonstrate the humility and power of your love. Amen.

REFLECTION

How does humility serve as a weapon in the clash of kingdoms? How does it overcome the pride of the world? How does service demonstrate God’s nature?

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