Jesus-Humility

By Truman Spring

One of most moving scenes in the Word of God is recorded in the Gospels and especially in the Gospel of John Chapter 13. We see the Savior of mankind who later would become King of Kings and Lord of Lords on bended knee with a basin of water and a towel in his hands washing the disciple’s feet. 

Jesus well knew that his hour of humiliation and degradation and untold agony and pain was near. He took the occasion to teach what must be the greatest lesson on humility the world will ever have. Also, a supreme example of LOVE. For it is love that will perform the menial tasks that so many times tasks that are needed. And that is where true love comes in. Because you see, true love is characterized by humility.

Let’s consider Luke’s account of this event in that night of our Lord, at the Last Supper. One of the reasons he taught what he did (Luke 22:24) And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. So even at he last meal with the Lord wrangling existed over positions in the kingdom, which at that time they still held to the belief that it would be an earthly kingdom and not a spiritual kingdom. 

Walking was the common mode of transportation and the people wore sandals. The paths and roads in Judea and Galilee were either dusty or muddy. In well to do homes there was always a great water pot in the door. The common practice when a guest arrived, the servant of the house would greet them and wash their feet with the water in the pot. But in Jesus’ group there were no servants. So He became the servant. He took the pot of water and the towel and surprised all his disciples when he knelt down to wash their feet. 

On that night he taught them and all that would be followers of him a great object lesson-that the GREATEST in the kingdom of God is measured by service. Much strife and problems of life are brought on those who have the attitude I want to BE served and not SERVE. We should be grateful that the Holy Spirit preserved this account of our Lord so that all who would be true followers of Jesus would that there is only one kind of GREATNESS in God’s kingdom and that is SERVICE. 

When it comes to our relationship with God and with man; are we humble and do we truly love? If not, we should picture again in our minds He who is seated at the right hand of God in heaven above, before He ascended--see him on his knees washing the disciples feet. That picture in your mind will keep you meek. Let us never forget this wonderful example of humility and God help us to be HUMBLE and to serve both God and man.