Devotions, Jesus's Humility, Love for one another,
WISDOM FOR TODAY
John 13:1-15
Beloved in the Lord, Jesus taught His disciples by way of example. He would do what He wants them to do so that from Him, they can learn to live as He lived.
In our text this day, we are reminded of one of the greatest examples of humility and service demonstrated by our Lord and master Jesus Christ from a heart of love. Having lived with His disciples for some time, Jesus understood each and every one of them and their weaknesses. Jesus showed His great love for them, first on the night of His betrayal, by washing their feet and finally the next day by dying in their place. The feet are considered to be very filthy because they carry all kinds of dirt. Jesus chose to clean the dirtiest parts of their physical bodies, as a sign of His great love for them. By so doing, He taught the disciples that, to love others is not to love the good sides of their lives but to be able to withstand their ugly parts.
This is a challenge to us today both as leaders and as Christians. What is the degree of love which you show to others? What do you love about others? What makes you say that you love someone? Is it just because of their good and pleasant sides or can you love them for who they are? So many people even in the church show love only on "conditions". But the kind of love which Jesus proves to us here is unconditional. Seeing a King, take off His clothes and bowing down to wash the feet of mere fishermen, is a great mark of humility and love. Jesus taught that our positions should not hinder us from meeting the needs of others but should help us love even more.
Today, many people live in hatred with their fellow brothers and sisters and have reasons to justify their hatred. Jesus had many reasons to put up not to love those followers of His, but He still showed them, love. Three reasons which he shouldn't have shown them, love:
1) He was aware that one of His own close collaborators had betrayed Him, but yet He went ahead to wash his feet. What hinders you from showing true love to your fellow brothers and sisters? Have you been badly betrayed by someone? Ask God for grace to forgive and to let love lead. Remember that Jesus died for you while you were yet a sinner.
2) He knew that they were all going to desert Him in the time of trial, but He still washed their feet. Are you bitter because your family and friends deserted you when you were in problems? Jesus teaches us that even if we are forsaken by friends, we should still love.
3) Even when He met with opposition from one of those whose feet He was washing (Peter), He did not get discouraged. Have you stopped loving because you are being opposed or is it because your acts of love have often been paid back with hatred? We have been shown unconditional love by our master even when we showed no love for Him and He says "Love one another as I have loved you".
In Rom.12:18, we are challenged to do everything in our part, to live in peace with ALL MEN. As you step out this day, ask God for the grace to love and live in peace with all men. Whose feet do you need to wash today in humility and love? Step out with the Spirit of Christ, to serve others in love.
PRAYER
God of love and compassion, you prove your great love for humanity, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. I am so grateful that Jesus loves me so much that He could give up His life for my sake. I owe Him my all. I desire to prove my love for you every day in the way I relate with my fellow brothers and sisters but unfortunately, I have allowed my human nature sometimes to make me count the faults of others and fail to love them. I am humbled by the example of Jesus and I pray for the same grace which Jesus had, that he could still love even after being betrayed. Help me to overcome evil with good. I desire to share your love with all, so help me, Lord. Amen
Rev Mrs Ntsam Emelda Bih
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