John 13:3–5: Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
He lays aside His outer garment; that is, He takes off the robe that He is wearing. Then He takes a linen cloth, and He girds Himself with it. This is such a strange thing which He does. He takes the place of a servant. He is girded with the towel of service, and He is ready to wash their feet. Our Lord Jesus came down to this earth, took upon Himself our humanity, and was made in the likeness of a servant. He did all this because He loved us. He could have gone out free, but He died on the Cross to provide salvation for us. He did this to establish a wonderful relationship for us and to make it possible for us to have fellowship with Him. He has become a slave because He loves us. 1
Your Word is Truth
A towel is a very common item. Most people own many. But what is uncommon is the symbolic use of the towel. Will you lay aside your position and prestige and humbly serve others that you have authority over? Are you willing to do the mundane thing in order that someone else may succeed; or experience an unconditional love from you?
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. –Philippians 2:8
You Alone are God
The Master became a servant, so the servant would not be mastered by sin. – TWEET IT
Your Will be Done
Lord, thank You for continuing to teach me the meaning of humility and servanthood.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
