THE TABLE OF A SERVANT

When Jesus sent John and Peter to make arrangements for the Last Supper, he told them “a man carrying a jug of water will meet you” (Luke 22:10 ESV).  Men in Jesus’ time didn’t normally carry water so logically this was a servant carrying out orders from his master.  Additionally, this man led them to a furnished upper room in a house where they would observe the Passover with a meal.  The owner of a room such as the one they used would normally provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests but for this solemn event, no such servant was present.  We see in John 13:3-17 that Jesus took on a servant’s role by washing the disciples’ feet himself as an example of how they should serve others.  How ironic that just before Jesus washed their feet, the disciples were arguing about which among themselves was the greatest.

Jesus is our model for being a servant.  His humility at a time when the disciples are arguing about greatness is a contrasting illustration of which we should be mindful and consider what actions we can take to follow his model. Tips to developing the discipline of humility are:

• Assess yourself honestly.  Humility is not the same as low self-esteem.  Being humble does not mean you think you have nothing to offer.  It means that you know exactly what you have to offer and no more.
• Don’t take success too seriously.  Deuteronomy 8:10-11 says that after you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord you God for the good land he has given you.  Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God.
• Counteract pride with reminders of the brevity of life and the frailty of wealth.
• Celebrate the significance of others.  We read in Philippians 2:3 that in humility consider others better than yourself.  Every touchdown in life is a team effort.  Applaud your teammates.
• Live at the foot of the cross.  In Galatians 6:14 Paul tells us that the only reason for boasting is because of Christ dying on the cross.
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At Mosaic, let’s serve God and serve others.