Thursday, April 2nd
Bible Passage: John 13
By: Hannah Spears
In psychology, the Serial Position Effect suggests that we best remember the first and last items in a sequence. Jesus knows how our minds work, so we can be sure His first actions and last actions carry significance. It’s worth considering that Jesus’ first action was to humbly enter the world, not as a powerful earthly King but as a baby. Then, one of His last actions was to humbly and lovingly wash His disciples’ feet, giving them a new commandment:
“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13: 34-35
Jesus did not just command this; He lived it. On Thursday, during the Last Supper, He gave His disciples a tangible example. Our God and King knelt before his disciples, and one by one washed their feet. What sincere humility Jesus displayed to them through this act and posture.
Consider the weight of this commandment. Knowing His death on the cross was imminent, Jesus chose this humble act and this bold command. It is not a mere suggestion, but one given by divine authority. It is an absolute for our lives.
Jesus physically washed and cleansed their feet the day before He washed and cleansed us from our sin. What a beautiful picture! One we are so undeserving of. He gave this commandment to love before they knew how far His love would go. They didn’t know He meant:
“I love you so much, I will die in your place for your sin.”
“I love you so much, I will be separated from my Father’s presence.”
“I love you so much, I will make a way for you to stand flawless before my Father.”
During the Last Supper, Jesus reimagined the bread and cup as symbols of His Body and His Blood. He promised His disciples that the darkness won’t last, but he will rise again, and freedom will have won!
Remember His plan is perfect, even in unbearably hard times.
Remember His kneeling posture and humbly serve others.
Remember His commandment to love one another.
I challenge you to gather with pause and remember Jesus’s humility through communion, either on your own or with other believers. Pray for ways you can humbly serve others, not just this week but so often that it becomes a habit.
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