Lenten Daily Devotional 2022
Wednesday, March 30
Day 29: Secure and One With the Father
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:5 (NIV)
Jesus knew his identity well. He knew “Who He was,” and even more importantly, He knew “Whose He was” - secure and One with the Father.
Jesus knew His origin and His future. He knew that He would return to the Father where He belonged after His mission of seeking and saving the lost was accomplished.
Jesus demonstrated and defined true humility. From a position of security, He chose to humble Himself, put aside His rights as a human teacher/leader, and literally, take up the position of a servant. Jesus knew “Whose He was” (security) and “Who He was” (identity), so from that position of security, humbled Himself to love. (Phil. 2:5-11)
In the first century, foot washing was a common practice as people often walked many miles each day. When entering a home, it was customary to wash the feet immediately. To not offer to wash a guests’ feet (or have them washed by a servant), was considered to be a violation of hospitality. Washing feet was an unpleasant but necessary job that was usually done by the lowest servant in the house, or by the least member of the family.
Jesus’ choice to humble Himself is juxtaposed with a clear statement of His security in His identity. (13:3-5) This affirmation reminds us that humility is always an option for believers. We also have a security in our identity as daughters/sons of God, due to the adoption accomplished through the finished work of Jesus. Empowered by the Spirit, we can and should often choose to humble ourselves, then serve and love those around us. We are secure in our identity, and when interacting with others, should avoid being distracted by insecurities or self-centered perspectives.
--Brian Ralston
Jesus knew His origin and His future. He knew that He would return to the Father where He belonged after His mission of seeking and saving the lost was accomplished.
Jesus demonstrated and defined true humility. From a position of security, He chose to humble Himself, put aside His rights as a human teacher/leader, and literally, take up the position of a servant. Jesus knew “Whose He was” (security) and “Who He was” (identity), so from that position of security, humbled Himself to love. (Phil. 2:5-11)
In the first century, foot washing was a common practice as people often walked many miles each day. When entering a home, it was customary to wash the feet immediately. To not offer to wash a guests’ feet (or have them washed by a servant), was considered to be a violation of hospitality. Washing feet was an unpleasant but necessary job that was usually done by the lowest servant in the house, or by the least member of the family.
Jesus’ choice to humble Himself is juxtaposed with a clear statement of His security in His identity. (13:3-5) This affirmation reminds us that humility is always an option for believers. We also have a security in our identity as daughters/sons of God, due to the adoption accomplished through the finished work of Jesus. Empowered by the Spirit, we can and should often choose to humble ourselves, then serve and love those around us. We are secure in our identity, and when interacting with others, should avoid being distracted by insecurities or self-centered perspectives.
--Brian Ralston
Prayer Focus: Lord, help me to be aware of the opportunities in each day for humility. Remind me of the secure identity that I have, and help me to follow your example and humble myself to demonstrate love.
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