1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:1-5)
So far this week, we have already examined two qualities of Jesus that make Him the best port of call when we face challenges. On Monday we saw that Jesus Cares, and yesterday we saw that Jesus knows us and He is straight with us. For both days, your comments have amplified the evidence of these qualities. Thanks!
Today we examine another quality of Jesus exhibited in the days leading up to His death and resurrection. Jesus was not a “do as I say and not as I do” type of leader. If you have ever been in a tough spot and had a counselor who knew more than just the theory of getting out, you know how valuable that is. In the popular passage of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, we see the best mentor ever. He not only cares about us, and knows us and is straight with us, Jesus also shows us how we need to live.
As the creator of the universe, you might have excused Jesus for just telling His disciples how to live in humble service. But then, He would not have been the superlative Rabbi He was. Jesus never missed a beat when it came to showing His disciples how to live. This is the kind of counselor you want in your corner when you face challenges.
Please reflect on the passage above and other similar circumstances you can recall from the Gospels and answer the question below.
Today’s Questions:
Jesus is the master teacher/mentor! As you consider challenges you or your loved ones may face, what assurance do you take from the fact that Jesus isn’t just theoretical, He shows us how we need to live?
April 12, 2017 at 6:25 am
There is great comfort in knowing Christ is aware of our struggles. As life happens and I sometimes question the “why” I can look to the garden. Jesus asked why and it was okay. He fully knew the answer but was okay with asking so we would also feel comfortable to do the same. His garden experience also models for us the heart of obedience in the times of struggle and confusion- thy will be done. Making that confession is liberating but is painful to get to at times.
April 12, 2017 at 8:44 am
There are days when it feels almost impossible to escape sin. Sometimes it’s when I come face to face with impatience, and pride in my own heart. Other times, I feel overwhelmed by the violence, hate, and fear pressing in from the world around me. I can only take so much heartlessness, so much brokenness, so many facebook arguments, before I find myself curled into a fetal position and refusing to leave the sofa.
(Colossians 3:12-13) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other. Isn’t it sobering that, even when we are surrounded by fellow believers, “bearing with one another” is still so hard? Patience is not something that comes naturally to most of us. But we can increase patience in our hearts by turning to God’s word, and remembering his supreme patience.
Patience in the midst of frustration and trial is one of the most outstanding examples of biblical love.
April 12, 2017 at 10:01 am
I love Jesus – He is so counter-cultural! He says in Luke 16:15 “….what people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.” Jesus has set for us a living example that all redeemed persons can follow through the power of the Holy Spirit. He did not set a humanly impossible standard that cannot be followed – for he was fully human as he was God. Hebrews 4:15 says for we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin.
Therefore following Jesus’ example is entirely possible for us mere humans who are believers. My natural inclination is to be selfish, put my own interests first therefore my soul (mind, will and emotions) wars against practicing the teachings of Jesus. Indeed the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (see Matthew 26:41). But I find striving against my nature is well worth the discomfort (and it can get very uncomfortable), because not only does the virtue get easier with continual practice but I also reap the dividends of peace of mind and the joy of the Lord poured into my heart, sometimes almost immediately. It’s an indescribable feeling called REST. God gives the reward when we do what he says! What a relief it is to let go of what we know and follow the example set by Jesus. He says take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30). O that everyone could be so free!
April 12, 2017 at 10:36 am
“Jesus isn’t just theoretical”.
I have a personal appreciation when someone takes the time to show me how to get past the simple functions on my cell phone inspite the fact there are written instructions to follow. I am no IT geek for sure. Similarly, l am no ‘life geek’. I need the expert to show me.
The man Jesus is dead serious about holiness. He told the woman caught in adultry, “go your way. From now on sin no more” (Jn.8:3-10). He also told the lame man 38 years in his sickness “do not sin anymore so that nothing worse may befall you” (Jn.5:9-14).
I by myself don’t know how to acheive this transformation Jesus wants of me. But l thank God for His call for holiness “be holy yourselves also in all your behavior…you shall be holy for l am holy”(1Pet.1:15-16).
I want to know how this holiness is done. Each day new challenges emerge and l have to be ready to do it as He shows me. Sometimes l fail but He is patient to show me again and again until l get it right. I find when l do get it right l realize this is what l long for, this is what makes life worth living. And still sometimes l remain a slow learner.
But if l am to experience His transformation, there is no other teacher like Him. He not only gives instructions but He shows me how it is done. I like that.
April 12, 2017 at 10:46 am
Jesus proves that it is possible and fruitful to live by God’s Word. This is a comfort to me as I try to live more boldly, courageously, and faithfully.
April 12, 2017 at 2:08 pm
What wonderful responses. So encouraging. Great Help to understand that my choice to live closer to Jesus is the RIGHT one.