The Ordinance of Humility: Jesus' Example of Servant Leadership

The Context of Jesus' Final Hours

As we approach the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, we find Him gathered with His disciples for the Passover meal. The Gospel of John provides a poignant account of what transpired that evening, highlighting a profound lesson in humility and servant leadership.

John 13:1 sets the stage:

"Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."

Jesus was keenly aware that His time on earth was drawing to a close. In these final moments with His closest followers, He chose to impart a lesson they would never forget.

The Unexpected Act of Service

In a culture where foot washing was typically performed by the lowest servants, Jesus' actions were shocking and counter-cultural. John 13:3-5 describes the scene:

"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 and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

This act was not merely about cleanliness, but carried deep symbolic meaning:

1. Humility: By taking on the role of a servant, Jesus demonstrated the importance of humbling oneself, regardless of status or position.

2. Selfless Service: Jesus showed that true leadership is rooted in serving others, not lording authority over them.

3. Spiritual Cleansing: The act of washing feet symbolized the need for ongoing spiritual cleansing and forgiveness in the lives of believers.

Peter's Resistance and Surrender

Peter's initial reaction to Jesus' attempt to wash his feet reveals much about human nature and our struggle with pride. John 13:6-9 recounts:

"He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, 'Lord, do you wash my feet?' Jesus answered him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.' Peter said to him, 'You shall never wash my feet.' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.' Simon Peter said to him, 'Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!'"

Peter's response teaches us several important lessons:

1. Our Limited Understanding: Like Peter, we often fail to grasp the full significance of Jesus' actions and teachings in the moment.

2. The Danger of Pride: Peter's initial refusal stemmed from a misplaced sense of honor, showing how pride can hinder our relationship with Christ.

3. The Necessity of Christ's Cleansing: Jesus' statement that Peter would have "no share" with Him unless washed emphasizes our need for His ongoing work of purification in our lives.

4. The All-or-Nothing Nature of Discipleship: Peter's eventual willingness to be fully washed demonstrates the total commitment required to follow Jesus.

The Example to Follow

After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus explained the significance of His actions:

"Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." (John 13:12-15)

Jesus' example teaches us several key principles:

1. Servant Leadership: True leadership in God's kingdom is characterized by humble service to others.

2. Mutual Care: We are called to care for and serve one another within the body of Christ.

3. Practical Love: Love is not merely a feeling, but is demonstrated through tangible acts of service.

4. Breaking Down Barriers: By serving one another, we break down social hierarchies and promote unity.

The Heart of the Matter

While the act of foot washing was significant, Jesus was addressing a deeper issue. As Ellen G. White notes in "The Desire of Ages":

"When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust from their feet, He desired by that very act to wash the alienation, jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This was of far more consequence than the washing of their dusty feet."

Jesus was not merely concerned with external cleanliness, but with the condition of His disciples' hearts. The ordinance of humility serves as a reminder of our need for:

1. Inner Cleansing: Regular examination of our hearts and motives.

2. Reconciliation: Addressing and resolving conflicts with fellow believers.

3. Renewed Commitment: Recommitting ourselves to follow Christ's example of humble service.

The Ongoing Significance

The ordinance of humility, often practiced alongside the Lord's Supper in many Christian traditions, continues to hold great significance for believers today:

1. Remembrance: It serves as a tangible reminder of Christ's sacrificial love and example.

2. Self-Examination: It provides an opportunity for personal reflection and repentance.

3. Community Building: The act of serving one another fosters unity and strengthens relationships within the church.

4. Missional Focus: It reminds us of our call to serve the world as Christ served us.

Practical Application

How can we apply the lessons of the foot washing ceremony in our daily lives?

1. Cultivate Humility: Regularly examine your heart for pride and seek to put others first.

2. Serve Sacrificially: Look for opportunities to serve others, especially in ways that may be uncomfortable or inconvenient.

3. Practice Forgiveness: Just as Christ washed the feet of Judas, be willing to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged you.

4. Embrace Vulnerability: Allow others to serve you, recognizing our mutual need for support and care.

5. Lead by Example: If you're in a position of leadership, model Christ-like servanthood to those under your care.

The Path to True Greatness

Jesus' example of washing His disciples' feet turns our worldly notions of greatness upside down. He taught that the path to true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humble service to others. As He said in Matthew 20:26-28:

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

By following Christ's example of humble service, we not only honor Him but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out our true purpose as His disciples.

Conclusion

The ordinance of humility, as demonstrated by Jesus washing His disciples' feet, stands as a powerful reminder of the heart of Christian discipleship. It challenges us to set aside our pride, serve one another in love, and continually allow Christ to cleanse and transform our hearts. As we reflect on this beautiful act of service, may we be inspired to follow in the footsteps of our Savior, humbly serving others and pointing them to the transformative love of Christ.

Let us embrace the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-7:

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

As we seek to embody this Christ-like humility in our daily lives, may we experience the deep joy and purpose that comes from following in the footsteps of our Servant King.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRPTdzlj4jQ