Our Servant King

This devotional considers John 13:3-17.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 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.

So…so he got up. What an example our Lord has set for us. To know exactly who he was, who he is, and for that to be the basis for serving. It’s not even that he is serving us despite being the Greatest and Highest. Christ with a towel is who he is. It’s not just one of the things he did while on earth; it’s not just another sign to help us believe. 

Jesus’ descent from God is his eternal nature. He has always been and will always be our Servant King who wields his power with a towel and water in a basin. We remember the story of Mary broke an exorbitantly expensive bottle of perfume to anoint Jesus, and how those around her complained of the waste—oh, how the money could have been used to help the poor. And we thought that was lavish. 

Look what Jesus did with regular water. Jesus lavishes his love on us with all of who he is. And talk about cost—how many has the Lord fed with his broken body? He gathers us all to the table with him, and then washes us in the majesty of his humility. What manner of King is this? It’s certainly not what we see or experience as a norm in this world.

Jesus said to Peter, Unless I wash you, you have no part in me. As followers of Jesus, servanthood by choice and eventually by nature is at the heart of our faith. Our Teacher and Lord, served us and called us to do the same for each other. He said, I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. What does that look like in our lives today? One way is to think of how we esteem ourselves—think of the power, responsibility, gifting, treasures we’ve secured—and then get up and serve from those valued places. This is what Jesus did and wants us to do. 

Let’s pray for the grace to live by his example today.

Amen.