Christ Our All-Round Example

Today’s Scripture Threshings for Friday, February 15 , 2019

Today’s Text: John 13:1-17

Key Verse: ”And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet.” (vs. 14, NLT)

What may we learn from Jesus’ motif in this shocking scene? Why would our Lord stoop so low to wash the feet of his disciples? Of course, it is enough that they watched him deal with the downcasts, touch lepers, heal cripples, and eat with sinners. They went with him to homes they’d not go ordinarily — but they were rudely unprepared for this parting episode. “Why would he ruin such a great supper by that act?” — they must have thought. Indeed, Peter was so taken back at the sight so that he insisted Jesus would never wash his feet. The idea of his Lord and Master bowing in front of him and performing this menial service was unthinkable. But our Lord has an important message to pass across to them and to us. Though the action speaks for itself; but it was so important that Jesus expressly emphasizes that if I, who am your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, there is no reputation or repulsion (no pride) that should keep you from doing the same.

Jesus knew they have been prepared enough. They have been taught His ways, and have been commissioned to preach, teach and heal. The promised Holy Spirit will soon crown it all; but there’s yet a stain that Christ seeks to remove so that their fellowship with Him may be unembarrassed; that their heart may be purged of secret pride, self-made ‘holier than thou’, self-seeking pursuit, and struggle for preeminence; and so that their service may be unalloyed — being willing to get their hands dirty, if need be, while humbly exhorting, encouraging and admonishing one another toward a holy life and service.

What about us? Are we ready to be abase to lift others up? Have the fire of the gospel melted the hidden chains of pride that bind our hearts? Are we so ready to become all things to all men so that we might by all means save some? O that we know that our theological preparations, ordination and sanctification is not complete until we yield Jesus’ “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.” (Matthew 11:29)

Quote for the Day: “Man’s battle against self is fiercer than his battle against hell. But the earlier we must win in order not to lose out to the latter.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, You are my perfect example of how I should live my life. Allow me the strength and wisdom to follow in Your footsteps. Grant me the power to be pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, impartial and sincere in serving others. In your most precious name. Amen.

With all my Love and Prayer,

Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),

2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,

Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA

Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org

BBMme: E3F988D2

[Today’s Scripture Threshings is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]

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