HOLY WEEK – THURSDAY
“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.” – John 13:15-16
Before the Passover meal began, Jesus set an example and gave a command for every believer who would ever follow Him. He knelt down and washed the dusty feet of His own followers. This was work so humble and demeaning that a Jewish slave couldn’t be forced to do it. King Jesus did it willingly. Not because He had to. Because He was the Son of God with all authority. Knowing that, He used His authority to wash the feet of those who followed Him imperfectly and the feet of the one who soon betrayed Him. Every foot got washed as a demonstration of Christ’s authority.
That’s the example Jesus set for us and the command He gave every follower. Do likewise. Humble ourselves. Serve one another. Exercise authority in the service of love. Because followers of Jesus have His delegated authority to work in this world in His name, we’re empowered and commanded to serve one another with humility. In Christ’s Kingdom, authority is given to serve others, not boss them around. A true follower of Jesus doesn’t lord his or her power over another. Power is to be used for serving and blessing others. Authority should demonstrate love for those being led, not power over them.
Later that night, Jesus didn’t break into a palace to steal an earthly throne. He was arrested and condemned to die in agony the next day, before rising from death and ascending to the throne in Heaven. King Jesus knows power and authority. And He demonstrated and commanded that whatever power or authority you have be used to bless others, not make their lives harder. #FollowJesus