SCRIPTURE: John 13
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. [John 13:1]
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 from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [John 13:2-4]
These lines are striking to me – this shows how far Jesus was willing to go for those He loves.
This act is symbolic of Jesus’ whole heart towards us – He is prepared to deny Himself for our sake.
But what is especially striking to me is that His ability to humbly serve like this comes from His solid sense of worth.
He knows Who He is before God, and in this confidence, He is unfazed by taking the servant role.

This is helpful for us to remember, because sometimes following Jesus will require us to do demeaning tasks that may make us feel less than worthy or valuable – at least in other peoples’ eyes.
We can take the lesser roles, be the servant, endure ridicule or shame, because we know who we are in God’s eyes.
We are not Jesus, but we are in Him and with Him, and He is in and with us.
We are much-loved children of God, we reign with Christ in His new kingdom authority.
We have nothing to prove, God has already proved everything for us.
So then we can freely, willingly, eagerly step into humbling, people-serving roles… in His Name, for His sake.

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]
This is not just an optional, occasional thing – this is what our days should look like, this is what we should be anticipating wherever we are.
He has set us this example for when we are at church, at work, at school, with our neighbours, and with people we’ve never met before.
Think about where you will be today – where will you have an opportunity to take the servant role?
Or are you worried about what people will think, or that they might take advantage of you, or do you feel above those things… do we really know who we are in Christ?

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. [John 13:34-35]
Jesus’ love is the standard, as I have loved you!
Jesus’ love among and through us is the message, by this all men will know!

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to develop a servant mindset, not just once in a while, but wherever you send me. Help me to see every person I meet as an opportunity from you to serve, confident that I am in You and You are in me!