A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"Set You An Example"

There is no debating that Jesus is the example for us. As Christians we are being continually transformed into Christ-likeness. Throughout the New Testament we find passages that reveal and affirm that Jesus is our example. Peter tells us in his first epistle that Jesus is our example in suffering. To this you are called, because Christ suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His footsteps. (1 Peter 2:21). Paul calls the Corinthian believers to follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) with regard to a holy life-style that glorifies God in everything. Philippians instructs us to have the same mind [attitude] as Christ (Phil. 2:5)

Even non-believers take a keen interest in Jesus studying Him as an example in several areas. Educators research Him as a teacher. Religious leaders study His techniques in establishing disciples. CEO’s analyze His leadership ability. Corporate executives examine His management skills developing management models after His way (such as the Servant-Leadership model). Political leaders investigate His political savvy wondering how one person could impact the world is such a profound and lasting way.

Believers are not always comfortable with Jesus being our example. We like to think He had an edge that we don’t and therefore when confronted with following His example in a particular difficult situation we are quick to say, “Yeah, but He was Jesus!” But we cannot elude the reality that Jesus was fully human and while walking the dusty roads and rubbing shoulders with the likes of you and me, Jesus used only the resources that are available to us to remain faithful to the Father. This is why the writer of Hebrews instructs us to fix our eyes on Jesus and to consider Him. (Hebrews 12:2-3) Jesus showed us how it can be done – set the example!

It is intriguing that in journeying with Jesus through the Gospels there is only one time He specifically states that He has set us an example. Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I done for you. (John 13:12)

This foot-washer thing clearly involves more than kneeing before another and physically washing their feet. Why else would Jesus ask if we understood what He has done? We are still working on understanding. Maybe we are avoiding understanding because what is clear challenges us to our core. It is clear that foot-washing speaks of love, character, disposition, place and position. Jesus’ foot-washing example speaks to who we are to be and what we are to do amidst a dog-eat-dog world, a jockey for places of importance societal mentality, a fight and scratch your way to the top society, a be served rather than serve cultural, a seek out and destroy your betrayer societal philosophy. Our Lord and Teacher has set us an example. He should have been given the seat of honor. He should have been the center of attention. He should have had His feet washed. He should have been served. But He silently, unobtrusively, willingly took the place of the lowest slave and in love knelt down and washed the feet of those who should have been washing His, including His betrayer.

Beloved, He has set us an example. Now’s the time for us to understand what He has done for us and get to work as foot-washers!

Keep close to Jesus.
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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