Jesus Christ Laid Aside His Divinity and Majesty
Rev. Tse Amable | July 5, 2024 | John 13:1-17
KEY VERSE:
“... so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” John 13:4 (NIV) MESSAGE:
What Jesus Christ did at this table of the Passover meal was a type or a shadow of what he was going to do in a few days time on the cross. Another version of our key verse says he “got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.” Jesus was about to get very low down in order to wash the feet of his disciples. He could not do this menial task reserved for servants of the household in his costly garments. He therefore had to lay them aside – take them off.
It was the same thing Jesus Christ did when he accepted to come to the earth as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Apostle Paul wrote that Jesus Christ “who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7 KJV). The writer of the hymn “HOW CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN?” wrote that Jesus Christ “emptied himself of but love and bled for Adam’s helpless race”.
Jesus Christ laid aside his majesty and divinity in order to become one of us so that he could offer himself as an atonement for our sins.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Think about how much it cost Jesus Christ to lay aside his majesty and divinity. What are you willing to lay aside in order to serve the purpose of God for you for this generation.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I thank you for laying aside your greatness and became a servant of all. Help me to show my love for you in putting aside whatever status I have acquired in this,life in order to serve others.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: TOOK OFF
The Greek word translated as "took off" is "τίθημι" (tithēmi), which can mean to lay down, put aside, or take off. It often signifies a deliberate action of removing or setting something aside for a purpose. In John 13:4, "took off" refers to Jesus laying aside His outer garments before washing His disciples' feet. This act is rich in symbolic meaning, representing Jesus' willingness to set aside His divine privileges and take on the role of a servant. It echoes Philippians 2:6-7, where Paul describes Jesus as "emptying Himself" by taking the form of a servant. By physically removing His outer garments, Jesus demonstrated humility and servitude, foreshadowing His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross. Reflections: Jesus' action of taking off His outer garments to serve His disciples challenges us to consider how we might lay aside our own comforts, privileges, or status to serve others. It reminds us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humble service and self-sacrifice. What are some "outer garments" or aspects of privilege and comfort in your life that you might need to set aside to better serve those around you in a Christ-like manner?
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