“I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15, NIV)
One of the biggest mistakes we can make when considering Jesus is to suggest that he came only as a good example. Something along these lines: We may not lift up our athletes as role models, but someone like Jesus? He can certainly show us the way!
Jesus came for so much more than that. He came to do what we could not. He came to die, to shed his blood in perfect atonement for our sins. You can follow that example if you want, but it won’t have the same effect. It’s too late for you to be a sinless offering.
Which sets us up for a second big mistake. This is thinking that since we cannot live up to Jesus’ example, we don’t need to try. If in a saving sense, all our good works are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), why clean them up at all? Let’s just do what we will and Jesus can clean up the mess in the end.
Here’s the flaw in that logic: we’re not called to go around making messes.
The account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet is remarkable for several reasons. For instance, in the exchange between Jesus and Peter, we note the importance of doing things the way Jesus would do them (even to a T), rather than coming up with our own good idea—no matter how eager we are in doing it.
But let’s focus on the two other big matters today, for they help us in our study of righteousness. First, Jesus demonstrated “the full extent of his love.” Second, that love was rendered through the most humble of tasks.
When we call a respected friend or leader “humble,” we normally mean they are not self-promoting. They lack smugness. And they may also demonstrate a listening interest in others over and above telling their own stories. All these are recognizable features of the noteworthy character trait we call humility. But when Jesus modeled a humble rendering of his “full love,” he did it in service. He took action. He got on his hands and knees and washed dirty feet.
Jesus did come to set an example. But that example was what we might call a “low standard.” Get down. Get dirty. Serve. This is the mode our Lord taught us.
—
Jeff Hopper
October 31, 2014
Copyright 2014 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
OTHER DEVOTIONS IN THIS SERIES
Threads of Righteousness 1
Threads of Righteousness 2
Threads of Righteousness 3
Threads of Righteousness 4
Threads of Righteousness 5
Threads of Righteousness 6: God alone
Threads of Righteousness 7: Only God?
Threads of Righteousness 8: Humble Selves
Threads of Righteousness 10: Mercy Speaks
Threads of Righteousness 11: Acting Justly
Threads of Righteousness 12: Generosity
Threads of Righteousness 13: Faithfulness
Threads of Righteousness 14: Purity
Threads of Righteousness 15: God of Love
Threads of Righteousness 16: God’s Loving Plan
Threads of Righteousness 17: Acting in Love
Threads of Righteousness 18: Spirit of God
Threads of Righteousness 19: Spirit-led Living