Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility

"I set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also." - JOHN 13:15. 

IT IS Jesus' last night on earth. He is with his apostles in the upper room in Jerusalem.  While they are having a meal, Jesus gets up and takes off his outer garments. He uses a towel around his waist and puts water into a basin.  Then he begins to wash the feet of the disciples and dry them off with the towel.  When he finishes, he puts his garments back on.  Why did Jesus do such a humble thing? - JOHN 13:3-5.

Jesus himself explained: "Do you know what I have done to you?"  He continued:  "If I, although Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you  also ought to wash the feet of one another.  For I set the pattern for you, that just as I did to you, you should do also." (John 13:12-15) With this humble act, Jesus taught his apostles a lesson that they would not forget and that would encourage them to be humble later on. 

When Jesus washed the feet of the apostles, it was not the first time he showed them how important humility is.   One time, some of the apostles were arguing about who was the greatest among them.  Jesus brought a young child to them and told them:  "Whoever receives this young child on the basis of my name receives me too, and whoever receives me receives him also that sent me forth.  For he that conducts himself as a lesser one among all of you is the one that is great." (Luke 9:46-48)  At a later time when Jesus was talking to the Pharisees, who thought that they were more important than others, he said: "Everyone that exalts himself will be humbled and he that humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11) Clearly, Jesus wants his followers not to be or to act as if they were better than others. Let us carefully study Jesus' example of humility so that we can imitate him.  We will also  learn how  this quality helps not only the one who shows it but others as well.

Next time: Jesus Set the Pattern - "I DID NOT TURN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION" 

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