TODAY’S WORD FOR TODAY
When Jesus asked His disciples, ‘“What were you arguing about along the way?” They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest, and so they did not answer…he said, “If you want the place of honour, you must…serve others!”’ (vv. 33-35 CEV). If, after living with Jesus day and night for three years, His own disciples struggled with the concept of humility, none of us is exempt. Then Jesus taught them a lesson they’d never forget. ‘Jesus knew…he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So, during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples’ feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing’ (John 13:3-5 CEV).
Then He blew their minds by saying, ‘If your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you’ (vv. 14-15 CEV). Chuck Swindoll writes: ‘Bending the knee to help others, or to admit weakness, is considered making yourself vulnerable to those who might take advantage of you. Too many leaders view themselves as being there to be served, except for short periods when it’s advantageous to be seen serving others – but not for too long…Not so for the followers of Christ. For them humility isn’t a religious concept, it’s a way of life.’ So today practise humility!
© 2017: This devotional is produced by UCB, free of charge through the generosity of our supporters. As a gift to the body of Christ, permission is given to Churches and Christian organisations to copy up to a maximum of 52 daily excerpts per year. Excerpts must acknowledge The Word for Today as the source, give the UCB address and inform that free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The Word For Today is written by Bob and Debby Gass
For more information about the terms of use, contact publications@ucb.co.uk
