In light of everything that is going on in our country, it is essential that, as followers of Christ, we remember the importance of responding with humility. We see what true humility looks like from the example of Christ in John 13, where Christ washes the feet of His disciples. After washing their feet, He says, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 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. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:12b-17). Christ gives His disciples the imperative to follow His example of humility.
What a paradox we have here—the infinite, omniscient Creator washing the feet of the finite creation. The paradox is even greater when we consider the cultural and historical context. The disciples were traveling along the road, so their feet would have been dirty from the dust or mud covering the roads. At the entrance to many homes was a pot of water meant for washing feet—a task typically performed by the lowliest slave. This shouldn’t surprise us if we know our New Testament. After all, we know from Philippians 2 that this is precisely the worldly status Christ entered into during His incarnation. The Son of God left the eternal glories of heaven and took on the form of a slave, the lowest possible form of servitude. Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, was performing a task far beneath the status of His beloved disciples.
The imperative given to the disciples to follow the example of Christ stands true for us today. As you may be engaging in various dialogues regarding the state of this nation, be reminded of Christ’s example so that you may be an example to others. Christian, seek humility, for Christ your Savior was the supreme example of humility on your behalf.