Not One of Your Finest Moments
When you look at the Last Supper, you will likely observe three radically different attitudes displayed. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, King of kings and Lord of lords, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, takes off his robe, and performs the task of the lowest slave in the household — He washes the disciples’ feet.
Humility was nothing new for Jesus.
“He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8).
The question is, did this selfless act sink into the hearts and minds of His disciples? The next attitude to see is found in Luke: “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me” (Luke 22:21).
When you examine the same passage from Matthew, over and over each the disciples ask, “Surely not I, Lord?” So the disciples moved from wrestling with humility to wrestling with betrayal, and even giving one another the third degree (v.23).
Immediately following the betrayal, the disciples make a gut-wrenching left turn in their conversation, the next attitude verse: “Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them” (v.24).
They had just witnessed the perfect example of Christ’s humility, accused one another of betrayal, and then smoothly transitioned to an argument about who among them was the greatest Perhaps you’re asking, “Why Jesus didn’t slap these guys aside the head? With gentleness and humility, He responded with teaching. “Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant” (v. 26). Then he reminded them of his opening example, saying: “For I am among you as one who serves” (v.27). God serves you.
These were definitely not the finest moments for Christ’s disciples:
- Missing one of the greatest examples of humility.
- The shock of betrayal followed by accusations.
- Jockeying for position, the complete antithesis of humility.
And yet Christ remains humble and faithful; faithful even unto death: “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’” (Luke 22:20 NIV).
Maybe you’re going through “Not one of your finest moments.” Christ died for you. Don’t get caught up in what you have or haven’t done. Become completely caught up in who He is and what He has done for you. The Son of God died to save you.