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Twenty-one is a reading plan we created with the hope that it will help you connect with God and prepare your heart for Easter. We’re glad you’ve opted to join us on this journey and look forward to celebrating Easter with you!
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Day 15
Jesus knew that the hour was upon him when he would be handed over and led to his very painful death on the cross.
Can you imagine what would be going through your mind in those moments?
Could you honestly think of anything or anyone else?
Could you knowingly be hours from your own death and still have the presence of mind to make sure you set one final example for those you were leading?
Jesus did.
Check out what he does on his final night with his followers:
“So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ”
— JOHN 13:4–5
That’s crazy.
It’s been said that humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. In his most difficult moments, Jesus controlled his own mind enough to consider the needs of others. Can we do that?
If you and I knew that we were about to be tortured, could we do that?
Thinking of others is tough enough in the good times, but in the tough times?
In your worst moments, who are you thinking of most?
Probably you.
That’s how it is with all of us. Not so with Jesus.
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. 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 have done for you.”
— JOHN 13:12–15
Struggles didn’t stop him from serving.
All followers of Jesus face struggles.
That is no reason to stop serving.
To follow him well, we must become servants regardless of our circumstances.
Going through a challenge? Serve.
Been down on your luck? Serve.
Struggling in your marriage?
Singleness got you in your feelings?
Job situation looking bad?
Finances miserable?
Family on the struggle bus?
You are probably tempted to focus on the trials in front of you.
But if you are a follower of Jesus, he would tell you to think of others.
Put them first.
It’s amazing what serving does to the anxiety caused by our problems.
It’s like medicine for our souls and Jesus knew that his followers needed to see that medicine in action in his life.
In his worst moments, he thought of them and served.
Who can you serve today?