The Servant King
“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet.”
John 13:3-5
John records a detail here that changes everything about this scene: Jesus did this knowing who he was, knowing the Father had given all things into his hands, knowing he had come from God and was going back to God, and with all that authority and identity fully intact, he picked up a towel. His security freed him to serve, and most of us do the opposite, serving in order to feel secure, in order to be noticed, in order to earn our place, when Jesus served because his place was already settled. As we move deeper into Holy Week, let this scene reorient your understanding of greatness, because in the kingdom of God the one with the most authority is the one who kneels lowest, and Jesus demonstrated that with a basin and a towel the night before he demonstrated it with a cross.
Pray
- 1
Lord Jesus, you knelt and washed feet because you knew who you were. Help me to serve others from the security of my identity in you, not from a need to be noticed.
- 2
Father, as we walk through Holy Week, slow my heart down. Let me sit with each scene rather than rushing toward the ending.
- 3
Holy Spirit, reveal to me what it looks like to lay aside my status and serve the people around me this week. Make me more like the Servant King.
