Receiving Authority and Power: John 13:1-17
Focus Passage: John 13:1-17 (NIV)
As John’s gospel describes the last supper Jesus had with the disciples on the night He was betrayed, John shares an interesting set of verses that give us a big clue into Jesus’ character and His motivation for what was about to happen over the next 24 hour time period.
During this meal, John tells us: “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so 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.” (v. 3-5)
This set of verses is amazing in my mind for a number of reasons. First, John tells us in verse 3 that “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power”. Reading this verse makes me a little curious: Did Jesus not have all things under His power prior to this point at the end of His ministry? Was the Father holding power back from Jesus while Jesus worked and ministered to the people?
While there are many questions I could ask about this one verse in John’s gospel, regardless of how or when Jesus received all things under His power, John tells us that at this point in His ministry, Jesus knew that all things were under His power. Reading what comes next is powerful.
Immediately after this realization, Jesus gets up, takes His outer garment off, and begins moving around the room washing the disciples’ feet. The most powerful Person in the room (Jesus) was taking the role of the least valued and least important servant.
Not only do these verses impress me about Jesus’ humility, but as we read the rest of the crucifixion event, it is powerful to think that everything that happens is chosen by Jesus. We know this because of what John initially says: “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power”. (v. 3a)
Jesus chose the cross for you and for me. At the point when He realized He had been given the greatest amount of power, He chooses to humbly take on the role of a servant. Jesus is not interested in exercising His power and position over us. Instead, Jesus wants to serve us as a way of inspiring us to have a relationship with Him.
This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today!
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