“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him” John 13:3-5.
Read John 13:3-5. You might be weirded out by that. Why would Jesus wash their feet? Thats GROSS! But back then it was a common thing to do. It was usually done by a servant or the lowest ranking person at the dinner. So why is Jesus doing this? He’s definitely not the lowest person at dinner! He’s the highest!
Jesus washed the disciples’ feet for a few reasons. He did it to serve. He was teaching the disciples that no matter who you are you should serve those around you. He also did it because He knew exactly who He was and where He was going that there was nothing that He could do to change that. He had an unshakable identity.
Identity is one of SFCs values: “we enjoy living in the laid-back, recreation-focused culture, but we recognize the culture’s identity crisis. While we relate with the culture, we remain obedient to God’s Word and find our eternal identity in Him.” Jesus related to the culture He lived in, He was human just like they were, but His identity wasn’t being a human, a Jew, or a King. His identity was in God and God called Him to serve everyone by dying on the cross for their sins. His identity was secure—and so is yours. Who are you?
You are loved. You are loved by God more than you could possibly imagine. His eyes are always upon you (Isaiah 49:16). He knows the exact number of days of your life (Psalm 139:16). He numbers the hairs on your head (Luke 12:7). He saves your tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). You are deeply, deeply loved by God.
You are accepted. Even if you feel like you never really fit in with your in-laws, you aren’t part of the inner circle at work, you have a hard time connecting at church—God accepts you. With all of your peculiarities and quirks, you’re in with the one who made the universe. You are His beloved child.
You are a conqueror. If you’re struggling with your identity or are hurting and really down on yourself, read Romans 8. You are a conqueror, and nothing—NOTHING—can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:37–39).
How much differently would we approach life if we saw ourselves as God sees us? If we set aside our insecurities and embraced the reality of who we are in Christ: loved, accepted, victorious? Knowing who we are in Christ is an awesome thing. It’s what allows us to humble ourselves. Because of our unshakable identity, we too can serve as our Master did.
As you navigate your day, look for opportunities to serve. In your home or workplace, when someone needs to do the grunt work, why not you? After all, you have nothing to prove—you’re proven. You don’t have to fret over what others think or waste energy wondering about your worth—you are wholly, deeply, completely loved and accepted.
CHALLENGE
What is somewhere that you could serve just as Jesus did that would make an impact on someone’s life?
Is your identity truly in Jesus?
What are some other things in your life that might be getting in the way?
By Nick Sackman | Post Falls, ID