by MarryEdwardd | 6 January 2020 08:46 am01
Blessed be the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
John 13:13–17 (NIV):
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
In this passage, Jesus redefines greatness in the Kingdom of God. Contrary to worldly standards, where power and status are often equated with greatness, Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humble service. By washing His disciples’ feet, He demonstrated that leadership in God’s Kingdom is characterized by servanthood, not dominance.
Matthew 20:26–28 (NIV):
“Not so with you. Instead, 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.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes that His mission was not to be served but to serve others, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. This act of ultimate humility sets the standard for His followers.
Luke 7:44–46 (NIV):
“Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I came into your house; you did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.’”
In this account, Jesus contrasts the actions of a Pharisee with the humble devotion of a sinful woman. Her act of washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and anointing them with perfume exemplifies profound humility and repentance, highlighting the importance of serving others with a pure heart.
Theological Significance of Foot-Washing
Foot-washing in biblical times was a menial task typically assigned to the lowest servant in the household. Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet was a radical demonstration of humility and love. It served as a powerful symbol of His willingness to cleanse His followers from sin and to model the attitude of servanthood He desired in them.
The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 2:5–8 (NIV):
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Paul underscores that Jesus, though divine, humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross, exemplifying the ultimate act of servanthood.
Spiritual Implications for Believers
The act of foot-washing carries profound spiritual implications for believers:
Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to embody the principles demonstrated by Jesus:
In conclusion, foot-washing is more than a ritual; it is a profound act that encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship. By embracing the humility and servanthood exemplified by Jesus, believers can live out the values of the Kingdom of God, bringing glory to Him and reflecting His love to the world.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/01/06/a-servant-is-not-greater-than-his-master/
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