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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In John Chapter 13 and at verse 1 we read of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and His Men are having their last and final meal together around that table which has become so meaningful to us. Luke, in his Gospel, gives us so much about the life and ministry and teaching of Jesus, but it is John who writes about what was said and taught that night.
Jesus knew that His hour had come. For three years Jesus Christ has been moving in the plan of God the Father towards this moment. He had come primarily to save men from their sin. He was soon to leave this world and return to His heavenly Father.
Jesus had loved His men with a holy love. He loved His disciples right to the very end of His earthly life, and beyond, but that is not our present passage. However, we need to know that it is true. Jesus was absolutely faithful.
Even when Jesus knew there was a traitor in the ranks, He did not reject them. Jesus loved them. He did not criticise them, nor speak about them to others, nor look for others even when they all fled and ran and deserted.
Jesus remains in complete control. Jesus knew that the Father had given Him all power and authority. He had come from the Father and he was going back to the Father.
Here is the Son of God – the Saviour – the Lord – the King – and from this position of security He rises from supper – laid aside His garments – took a towel - poured water into a basin – and He begins to wash and wipe dry the feet of His disciples.
Now, these disciples had been arguing over who was to be the greatest. They were squabbling over who was going to sit on His right hand and on His left. They were arguing about position, and jockeying for position, and Jesus sees a need in their lives and Jesus teaches them an unforgettable lesson on humility.
Their arguing about position is marring the fellowship and Jesus sees their needs. He sees they need healing and washing in their hearts.
Do let’s remember that humility and meekness must never be confused with weakness. It is because Jesus Christ is Lord and King, and it is because He has all authority, that he can rise and serve His disciples in this way.
What a scene as we watch Jesus Christ behaving as one of the lowest servants.
Verse 6 – When Jesus comes to Simon Peter, Peter says, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Do you think I am going to let you wash my feet? Now, we must not be too hard on Peter, because Jesus does explain, “You will know what it is all about later.” Peter was objecting because he did not fully understand. No way did Peter want Jesus Christ to wash his feet, and Jesus has to say, “Unless I wash you, you can have no part with me”. Unless I wash you, you can have no part in this ministry.
When Peter heard this, his response was – not just my feet but my hands and my head as well. Peter wanted his whole being to be involved in the ministry of Jesus Christ. This is one of the great love chapters because here we see what someone can do when unlimited love and unlimited power are combined.
In Jesus Christ, there is this perfect combination. Love without power would only produce sympathy – and power without love produces selfishness – but here we see in Jesus Christ love and power producing service.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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