YOUR DAILY DIVE: Maundy Thursday

SCRIPTURE:

And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves." (Luke 22:23-27,NASB)

STORY:

 In the 1st Century, when guests would arrive for a meal, the host would ask one of his servants to wash the visitors' feet. This was the job of the lowliest servant in the house. On the Thursday of Passion Week, Maundy Thursday, Jesus hosted His disciples to the Passover meal. But before they sat down to their feast, the Lord Himself took on the servant role of foot washer. This would have SHOCKED the disciples, and that was exactly what Jesus wanted to do. Shock them into a state of counter-cultural humility. Jesus' ultimate demonstration of humility was His death on the Cross—the Creator God Himself, sinless and pure, taking on the form of man, bearing the sin of man, enduring unthinkable suffering for the benefit of you and me. He gave up His right to be treated as God, so that we could spend eternity with Him (Phil. 2:6-8).

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:

As sinners, we have no place in our holy God's presence. But He humbled Himself to enter into our presence and serve us. Think about the most offensive person in you life—the person you would avoid at all costs. Now picture yourself washing their feet and giving up your best seat at the table to them. THAT is the selflessness that Christ expects of His followers. Humility pierced His hands and feet. Will you allow it to pierce your heart on this Maundy Thursday?

PRAYER:

Lord, how can it be that You, the Creator of the Universe, would become a servant to Your Creation? And yet, You did! You stepped out of Heaven and into this sin-filled world, giving up your right to be treated as God and submitting yourself to suffering and humiliation beyond anything I can imagine... all for me. For me! A pride-filled, sin-riddled human being who deserves nothing more than death. Thank you for loving me so much that You were willing to die for me, so that I could spend eternity with you. Lord, develop in me the servant heart of Jesus—a humble heart that puts others' needs first. Help me reject the worldly attitude of "every man for himself" and embrace the selfless attitude of Christ who humbled Himself to the point of death on a Crossfor me. In His name and for His glory and honor I pray. Amen.