June 5, 2008

• Christ’s Example of Living Life

  “For I have given you an example, that he should do as I have done to you.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘The servant is not greater than his lord, neither He that is sent greater than He that sent Him.” (John 13:15-16)

  “We have in the context [of this verse] an account of one of the many very remarkable things that passed that night wherein Christ was betrayed (which was on many accounts the most remarkable night that ever was), viz. Christ’s washing His disciples’ feet.  This action, as it was exceeding wonderful in itself, so it manifestly was symbolical, and represented something else far more important and more wonderful, even that greatest and most wonderful of all things that ever came to pass, which was accomplished the next day in His last sufferings.  There were three symbolical representations given of that great event this evening; one in the passover, which Christ now partook of with His disciples; another in this remarkable action of His washing His disciples’ feet.  Washing the feet of guests was the office of servants, and one of the meanest offices.  And therefore [it] was fitly chosen by our Savior to represent that great abasement which He was to be the subject of in the form of a servant, in becoming obedient unto death, even that ignominous and accursed death of the cross, that He might cleanse the souls of His disciples from their guilt and spiritual pollution.” (Jonathan Edwards)

  The example of Christ in living life is extremely well demonstrated in the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of John.  It is simply jaw-dropping that Christ would go to the farthest extreme of humily to prove that the servant is never greater than His master; to prove the point that we as believers should never view ourselves better than any fellow human being.  What an example!  It is not too easy to follow because it is so hard to break away from the pride that so easily entangles us.  Pride that is so innate to our nature that goes all the way back to the Fall of Adam and Eve.  We are all very proud people and this is totally the opposite of what Christ modeled for us in His earthly ministry.  I pray that everyday we may seek this humility in our lives; that we would mirror Christ in this way so that there is a stark difference between the people of the world and the Children of God.  I pray that there is a difference and we will glorify God in this way of life.  The life of humility.  God Bless!

  • 2:46 pm
  • 1 Comment