Humility

Humility is a word seldom heard these days, but the practice of it is even rarer. For some, humbling oneself is a shameful thing. Yet we recognize that Jesus lived a life of humility—no one doubts that; we also recognize that we want to be like Him

, and we all know this is a great challenge because we recognize that He is perfect.

For all that we acknowledge, we struggle to acknowledge how weak we are, how incapable we are, and how much help we need—all the help in the world—and only Jesus can give it. Acknowledging our limitations matters more than exalting our abilities, for if God were glorified in them, it would not be glory. He is glorified in our weaknesses, and humility is not our strong suit.

One thing we must recognize is that a life of humility must be a life of service. According to Mark 10:42–45, Jesus was making it very clear that our lives were not given to us so that others would serve us, but so that we would live to serve others. Only through this act of service could we become great, and to be first in the kingdom, we had to be slaves to all, because He, who was Lord, humbled Himself further than any of us ever will, because we do not have a soul like His.

Christ was able to take our yoke upon Himself so that we might imitate Him and help others carry theirs (Matthew 11:29), gently and humbly. How sweet rest is after so much weariness.

To do this, we must live washing feet. It is a pleasure to wash the feet of those we love. But washing the feet of someone who hurts us—that is another matter! Yet Jesus washed feet.

Jesus did not wash only the feet of John, the beloved disciple.

Jesus washed the feet that would run to hand Him over.

Jesus washed the feet that would flee from Roman fury.

Jesus washed the feet of the one who would deny Him 3 times.

Would you have washed those feet, even knowing what they were going to do? Jesus did not mind; He wanted them to know His willingness to love. In spite of what they would do, He was willing to love them, and He was making that very clear to them.

They would hurt His heart; He gave them a demonstration of love and humility. Jesus washes our feet. We crucify Him with our actions.

Remember this: every time you do something good for someone, you are washing their feet. So take off your cloak, tie on the towel, pour water into your basin; there is plenty of work to do. Recognize that if the King of the Universe could do it, you are no greater than He is.