Reversing The Use Of Power
Sitting in the borrowed upper room with his twelve closest followers Jesus knew something they didn’t know. Tonight he would be arrested, tomorrow he would be executed. He knew these things, not because of some magic, but because he read the Jewish scriptures and listened closely to the inner voice which directed him.
He also knew something he had often told his followers but as yet they didn’t fully understand; that he had come from God and was going to God, and that God had entrusted to him the work of reconciling people to God. .
Something had been omitted from the customs of the time: it was usual to wash the feet of anyone coming in from the hot dusty streets. Because they had neither servant nor slave the foot washing had not been done. Jesus got up from the u-shaped table around which they were all reclining and taking a wash basin and towel began to do job himself. There was a little embarrassment, but Jesus persisted, saying that there was meaning in what he was doing.
When he had finished and was again reclining at the table Jesus said he had given them an example. He truly was their leader and teacher, but in that very capacity he had also taken on the job of a servant and served them. This was how they were to behave towards each other from now on. They were not to imagine themselves as somehow superior to, or more exalted, than himself. Leaders they would become, but they must always be careful to serve whilst leading and lead by serving. .
The Church that arose after the resurrection of Jesus remembers this. When it is forgotten they remind one another, that Christians are not here to govern but to lead by example and to demonstrate their allegiance to God by serving humanity.
The gospel of John, chapter 13: verses 1-17
Matthew chapter 11 verses 29 – 30
He also knew something he had often told his followers but as yet they didn’t fully understand; that he had come from God and was going to God, and that God had entrusted to him the work of reconciling people to God. .
Something had been omitted from the customs of the time: it was usual to wash the feet of anyone coming in from the hot dusty streets. Because they had neither servant nor slave the foot washing had not been done. Jesus got up from the u-shaped table around which they were all reclining and taking a wash basin and towel began to do job himself. There was a little embarrassment, but Jesus persisted, saying that there was meaning in what he was doing.
When he had finished and was again reclining at the table Jesus said he had given them an example. He truly was their leader and teacher, but in that very capacity he had also taken on the job of a servant and served them. This was how they were to behave towards each other from now on. They were not to imagine themselves as somehow superior to, or more exalted, than himself. Leaders they would become, but they must always be careful to serve whilst leading and lead by serving. .
The Church that arose after the resurrection of Jesus remembers this. When it is forgotten they remind one another, that Christians are not here to govern but to lead by example and to demonstrate their allegiance to God by serving humanity.
The gospel of John, chapter 13: verses 1-17
Matthew chapter 11 verses 29 – 30
posted by Jessie Coates at 12:44 PM
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