Inspiration of the Day - Humility of Christ's Example

"God sees your heart, nothing is hidden from Him including your intentions."

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Right before Jesus was to be betrayed and turned over to be killed, that night during the Last Supper, our Lord Jesus got some water in a container, walked over to His Apostles -- including Judas Iscariot who would later betray Him that night, and began washing their feet one-by-one. One individual, Cephas or Peter, objected. But the Lord Jesus said to him that it was required. (John 13:6-10) So Peter submitted and the Lord Jesus continued washing everyone's feet until He was finished. The Lord Jesus then said these words:

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” ‭‭John‬ ‭13:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Did you know that back then, tradition states that it was custom that the lowest person in the room by status was the person required to wash the feet of those in the room? Some historians go so far as to say that the task of the washing of feet was a responsibility assigned only to slaves. Others say that at times, the master of the home would do so himself as a sign of respect for his guests.

Can you imagine what unwashed feet must have looked like back then? Wearing sandals back in a time when most paths and roads were dirt? Generally speaking, feet must have been a disgusting mess! Now imagine the feet of all the apostles. Their feet were no different than anyone else's. Their feet must have been equally dirty if not filthy. Yet, our Lord Jesus wrapped a towel around His waist, took the water and bowing down before every one of them in an act of great humility, slowly washed their feet. (John 13:3-5) What a humbling sight that must have been.

“For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

How often do we lose ourselves in self-importance? Striving for power and status, longing to be in charge of others, looking for that promotion, striving for seniority, those acronyms after your name. Don't get me wrong, in and of themselves, titles and education and qualifications, those aren't bad things. The question is the level of your humility as you strive to obtain those things, and then your level of humility when you do. If you obtain a position of seniority or authority over others, is your heart in a place of humility? Do you have a servant's heart, even as you lead or mentor others?

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭NKJV

Always remember the Lord Jesus’ example when you are feeling that your drive for worldly status has gotten away from you. Put yourself at the feet of those you are over, spiritually ready to pick up their feet in your hands to wash them. God sees your heart, nothing is hidden from Him including your intentions. (Hebrews 4:12) Would you be able to wash the feet of those that are under you today? Never consider yourself better than anyone. For those just starting out in life, always be humble and consider yourself least of your peers, including those below you and above you. (1 Peter 5:3) God promises to reward those with a humble heart.

God bless you in Christ Jesus the Lord, always.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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