“He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:4–5, NIV.

The mood is somber; conversation is dismal, and the spiritual climate is changing. Jesus is aware that His time on earth is concluding and with death quickly approaching He, like anyone who knows they are about to die, imparts a few last life lessons to those who are closest to Him. Instead of relishing in His Kingly glory, Jesus chooses to humble Himself to the role of a servant and washes His disciple’s feet.

How can we become confident to serve in a world that promotes self? The spirit of entitlement tries to permeate our lives even though it is contrary to the way Jesus lived His life on earth. Our Lord would have been justified to have a spirit of entitlement, since He was sinless and God dwelling in the flesh, but He chose to be selfless and ministered to His disciples in a way that transcended cultural norms.

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to invest in people like You do. I pray You would transform how I view ministry and help me serve people, as You do. If a spirit of entitlement rises up in me, help me to realize it right away so I can ask You to purify my heart. l not only desire to love like You love, but I want to serve how You serve. Lead me to someone I can minister to today. In Jesus name.

Author

Angela Overton is a lover of words, nature, and coffee. She is an ordained minister with the UPCI, has a Masters Degree in Theology, and loves to teach Bible studies. She and her amazing husband, Michael, pastor in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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