Servant King.
A lot can change in 7 days.
From being praised as He entered the city of Jerusalem on Sunday, greeted with “Hosanna” (John 12:12-19), to being publicly mocked by the same people as they shouted, “Crucify Him,” on Friday (Luke 23:18-23), we witness Jesus, a servant King, at work on His last days on earth. We witness His death and His victory over it. Amidst the pain and agony, we see a journey of hope. The risen Savior.
As He approaches the last days of His life, Jesus gathers with His disciples and serves them, demonstrating the importance of humility and the need for His saving work. During this intimate gathering, known as the Last Supper, Jesus’ unwavering love and selflessness shine brightly, setting an example to all of us on how to serve others with humility and love.
During the Last Supper, “Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body’. And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many of the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). By referring to the bread and wine as His body and blood, Jesus took two Passover symbols and gave them a fresh meaning.
During that same gathering, we see in John 13 that Jesus goes on to wash His disciples’ feet. During this time, foot-washing was reserved for the lowest of servants. Jesus willingly took on this role and His acts of love showed that no task is too lowly for a leader to undertake. He washed the feet of Judas even while knowing he would betray Him. Jesus tells them “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him”(John 13:16). The act of washing feet was a true display of His humility and servanthood towards even the most undeserving. The lengths to which Jesus was willing to go for those He loved ultimately foreshadow the even greater place He was willing to go for us. The Cross.
The cross is so powerful because of Jesus' selfless actions. Jesus willingly laid down His life, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18), on our behalf, despite how undeserving we are of it. The Cross didn't just secure our entrance into Heaven; it brought Heaven to Earth.
How amazing is it that this is how Jesus chose to spend His moments? The Savior of the world chose to wash feet and break bread with those who were learning from Him! Even while He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus still serves us and allows us to receive his humility.
Lord, this week we as we lo0k back on Jesus' humility and servitude, help us remember the importance of the body that was broken for us and the blood that was shed as Jesus shared His last meal with His disciples. Let us never look at Holy Week or Easter as a once-a-year celebration, but as a heart posture that we carry with us for all the days of our life.
Jesus was one of us. He knows our struggles, He knows our temptations, yet He lived a blameless life. He took on the weight and penalty of our sin so that we may be forgiven and in relationship with Him. Knowing this, may our hearts cry to become more like Him and to lean on Him always.
Philippians 3:10 “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.”
