“Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” (John 13:16)
The King of kings served. The Lord of heaven and earth sacrificed. God with us put us before himself.
Jesus was ignored, interrupted, and taken for granted. But a servant is not greater than his master. If the master pressed on, so should the servant.
Jesus was mocked, tuned out, and left behind. But a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If the sender didn’t give up, neither should the messenger.
Jesus was despised, rejected, and betrayed. And yet he prayed, “Not my will, but yours, be done.” If the teacher lived and served and died with that attitude, so should the disciple.
“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)
Blessed are the servants who walk in the footsteps of the King who washed feet. Blessed are the messengers who imitate the Lord who emptied himself. Blessed are the sons and daughters of God who do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than themselves, looking not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Truly, a servant is not greater than his master. So may the master’s words ring in our ears this week…
“I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)