Throughout Scripture, we are called to live with humility. We are called to let go of pride and to have an accurate view of ourselves as sinners in need of a Savior. Not only do we have a call to live humbly, but we also have a Savior who modeled humility for us and showed us by his example how to live humbly.
The apostle Paul reminds us of the example of humility that Jesus modeled for us on earth. He wrote to his readers in Philippians 2, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” (verses 5-7). Although Jesus was God, He did not ask for special privileges or treatments that He certainly deserved. Instead, Jesus served. He ultimately gave His life for the sins of the world.
One of the most poignant examples of Jesus’ humility is found in John 13. This passage of Scripture takes place right before Jesus’ death on the cross as He shared a last meal with His disciples. Right before they ate, Jesus shocked them by taking on the role of a hired servant and washing their feet. He explained that He did this to serve as an example for them to follow and instructed them to follow His example and wash each other’s feet, too (verses 15-16).
Just like Jesus’ disciples, we, too, are called to follow His example and serve others. The question we must ask ourselves is, are we obeying His instruction to serve? Are we living each day looking for opportunities to serve in the name of Jesus? It is time to let go of anything that has been holding us back and serve those around us in Jesus’ name.
Read through the Going Deeper section below carefully. As you read, pay special attention to how Jesus modeled humility. Make a list of the different ways Jesus showed humility during His ministry on earth. Then, commit to following His example of humility as you go throughout your day. Ask Him for help as you seek to be a person who models humility, always seeking to point those around you to Christ.
Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!”
Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”
10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
18 “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’
