Choosing the Way of Humility
- pastorfreel
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Encounter: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NLT
Humility is defined as “freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble” - Merriam Webster Dictionary. Oxford Dictionary defines humility as the quality of having a modest view of one’s value or importance.
In an article from christianity.com they go as far as to emphasize that “we are called upon to be humble followers of Christ and trust in the wisdom and salvation of God. True humility is seeing ourselves as we truly are, fallen in sin and helpless without God.”
As a senior level manager in the paper mill for many years, I took on the attitude that if the people on the production floor were having a bad day and dealing with the heat, trying to keep a paper machine running and a mess of paper all around, I would help by cleaning up paper, pushing water out of the way, and whatever else I could do to lessen the struggle as much as possible.
Paper mills run seven days a week and through holidays. One Christmas Day, the mill was having a very bad day and overflowed an outdoor stock tank onto the ground. I received a call alerting me to what had happened and that they were trying to get people in to clean up the mess. Even though I was the senior manager and could have stayed home while others sacrificed their holiday with family to fix the problem and clean up the mess, I went into the mill and waded knee deep in water and pulp in very cold temperatures to help with cleanup and settle the mill down.
Jesus gave us an example of true humility. Philippians 2:5-11, we read that Jesus gave up his divine position with the Father to take on the position of a humble servant. Verse 8 reads; “He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” NLT
One of my favorite passages found in John chapter 13 provided me with one of the best examples of a leader. The image of Jesus, taking on the position of a humbled servant to stoop down on his knees to wash His disciples feet provided that a leader is not better than the people he leads and as Jesus states in verse 16; “the slaves are not greater than the master nor the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.”
The washing of the disciples feet took on two meanings. One was the spiritual cleansing. Jesus is the One who forgives. Peter and the rest of the disciples experienced the full cleansing of salvation and did not need to be bathed again in the spiritual sense. Salvation is a one-time act of justification by faith. Sanctification: a daily washing away of the stain of sin. Just as a bathed person needed to wash his feet periodically, we need periodic cleansing from the effects of living in the flesh in a sin-cursed world. This is sanctification, done by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, through the “washing of water by the Word. (Ephesians 5:26)” - gotquestions.org
The second meaning behind Jesus washing the disciples feet is to do as Jesus taught (John 13:15) serving one another in lowliness of heart and mind. It was customary in their time that a servant would wash the guest feet as they entered in a home because as they would sit at a low table to enjoy a meal, the feet were in obvious view. Because there was no servant to wash the feet of Jesus or the disciples, Jesus uses the opportunity to teach the disciples that even though he is Lord and teacher, he will take on the position of a servant and care for his disciples.
While some may not be leaders, all are called to be of humble heart and to serve God and one another with love, grace, kindness, mercy and humility.
Reflect: Washing of feet is not a common practice in our Western culture and many people struggle with having their feet touched. Take a moment and consider what it must feel like if you were to get on your hands and knees to wash your family’s feet or the feet of the guest you invite into your home. Reflect upon what or how you can emulate this act that Jesus taught to serve others with love, grace, hope, mercy and humility.
Be sure to watch this week’s video of Moses the Strong (330-405 AD). Click here to hear about how powerful the gospel is and the change it makes in ones life.
Gather: In your small groups, take some time to reflect upon examples of humility. Take some time and discuss the questions below and reflect if God may be inviting you to something this week as we explore “Choosing the Way of Humility.”
In the video, Pete recounted Moses the Strong’s transformation when he encountered the peaceful and prayerful lives of the monks who offered him hospitality in a time of great need. Share about a time when your life was deeply impacted by someone of faith.
How do you recognize true humility? Can you give some practical examples you have seen or experienced?
An article produced by Psychology Today claims that narcism is demonstrably on the rise in our contemporary climate. Just as the Desert Fathers and Mothers journeyed to the wilderness in protest at the moral failings of their day, what might it look like to swim against the tide of our culture’s obsession with self, and embrace genuine, Christ-centered humility? Practically, how might this affect your social media usage, your diary management, or the way you talk about other people?
What is the role of worship in developing humility?
Philippians 2 tells us to have the same mindset in our relationships with one another as Christ Jesus did when he became a servant and obedient to death on a cross. How could Paul’s exhortation change the way you conduct yourself as a family member, friend or co-worker this week?
Spiritual Practice: Read John 13:1-15 slowly. Imagine the scene taking place before you. Begin to gaze intently upon Jesus as He is washing the feet of the disciples. Take notice of his loving, kind gaze upon those He cares for. As you zoom even closer to Jesus, notice Him look directly upon you and invite you to take a seat so that He may wash your feet. As He washes your feet and He looks directly at you, here him ask; “What do you need from me?” Sit with this for a moment and when you are ready, thank Jesus and say “Amen!” Record your interaction with Jesus, noting how your body felt; was there any tension or did the tension fade away? Take note of any emotions and sit with God about those emotions. Take note of any words that you may have heard. Finally, pay attention throughout the rest of the day and notice if any outside event, conversation, or reading connects to your experience with this imaginative prayer. Always remember that God communicates with us through our body, emotions, scripture, and others.
Washing feet with you,
Pastor Phil