John 13:1-5
The Servant King
January 12, 2015
Jay McGuirk, Associate Pastor | Discipleship
In Luke 22:24 Jesus’ closest followers argue about who is the greatest among them. Jesus rebukes them by pointing out how the Gentiles use their power and positions to mistreat their subjects. “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves,” Jesus says. In the first few verses of John 13, we see Jesus show the full extent of his love for his own, and it gives us the perfect picture of what it means to serve others. When Jesus tied a towel around his waist, he put on the clothes of a Gentile slave and performed work that no rabbi of any stature, much less a king, would ever consider. Notice from verse 2 that Judas, the betrayer, is also in the upper, with no exception made by Christ towards him. Jesus cleans the very feet that will soon lead a band of Roman soldiers to arrest and ultimately murder him.
The Scriptures show us that the King of Kings stepped down from heaven and took on the form of a servant. Jesus, aware that the Father had put everything under his power, demonstrates love by serving those who could give nothing to him in return. What do you do to serve others who can give you nothing in return? When do you lay down your title, your position, and your stature to give to those who could never do anything for you? Not just today, but consistently—find others who you can serve with the sole purpose of demonstrating Christ’s love. What you have freely received from Christ, freely give to others.
TWEET THIS:
Jesus is our Servant King, serving and loving us so we can serve and love others. #UpperRoom
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 2:5-11
