Self(ish) or Self(less)?

April 1, 2021 (Thursday)

 

Today is the remembrance of the last supper and the direct line of events leading to the crucifixion. John opens the scene with “Before the Festival of Passover, Jesus knew that his time had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully.” [John 13:1 CEB] It is important to understand that Jesus is NOT a victim, nor is He helpless. This is reinforced when we read, “Jesus knew the Father had given everything into his hands and that he had come from God and was returning to God.” [John 13:3 CEB]

 

Like a good director John cues the ominous music and sets the mood with, “Jesus and his disciples were sharing the evening meal. The devil had already provoked Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Jesus.” [John 13:2 CEB] In western culture, betrayal is a horrible thing. Even more horrifying, if that is possible, is the influence of Satan over one of Jesus’ disciples.

 

Now the image zeros in on Jesus’ servant attitude. “Then he poured water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he was wearing.” [John 13:5 CEB] Washing feet was standard hospitality in a dusty country. Generally this was done by a servant or the lowest member of the house. This action shocked the disciples.

 

“No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” [John 13:8 NLT] Gotta love Peter. He’s the one that says what everyone is thinking (but are afraid to say). Peter demonstrates the type of stubborn bravado (complete misunderstanding) that is his character. I’ve noticed this is also the typical stand of the typical male ego.

 

Jesus then explains His actions, “I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do.” [John 13:15 CEB] In western culture, we tend to wear socks and shoes, eliminating the need to wash feet. However, I think the principle of being a servant (no matter how low the position or work) applies.

 

After Judas leaves to betray Jesus, Jesus teaches, “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other.” [John 13:34 CEB] The OLD commandment was to love others like you love yourself. Jesus replaces that with the NEW commandment, “as I have loved you.” The shift is the standard of love is not ourselves, just as the standard of truth is not ourselves. The love we demonstrate must be at a much higher level. We are to love as Jesus loves.

 

Sacrificial love is the proof of who we are, “This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” [John 13:35 CEB] At the core of fake faith is selfishness. At the core of real faith is selflessness.

 

Every now and then like to have fun with the English language. Notice the difference between self(ish) and self(less). The word “ish” is an informal adverb that modifies or moderates or make vague. It means “in a way; not exactly” [dictionary.com]. That’s exactly what fake faith is, it is sincere-ish.

 

Jesus did NOT love-ish the world. Jesus did NOT die-ish for our sins. Jesus counted Himself of less value than you. Jesus considered His life of less importance than our eternal life. Guess we can say “less” is more-“ish.”

 

So, are you just following-ish Jesus? Here’s a test: Are more like Jesus and less like yourself then you were yesterday?