Jesus Bowed to No One and Yet, Jesus Washed Feet
The irony of following Jesus.
On the one hand, Jesus bows to no one.
He has been given all authority.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)
How much? All.
Where? In heaven and on earth. That doesn’t leave anything out.
There is not a ruler on this earth that Jesus bows before - because no ruler on this earth has more authority than Jesus. In fact, every person who has ever lived will one day bow before Jesus.
For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10-12)
During the first century, the message of the Gospel was a direct challenge to the Roman Empire and Caesar himself (Mark 1:1).
And yet, on the other hand…
Jesus washed feet. Jesus did not come to be served - He came to serve others.
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:13-17)
The King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16) humbled himself and took the form of a slave.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)
As Christians, we need this lesson - I need this lesson.
We can, and should, boldly proclaim the authority of Jesus Christ above all nations and rulers. He is the King of the everlasting kingdom (Daniel 2:44).
We also must refuse to allow pride to overtake us and humbly serve others as our Master did.