“Jesus . . laid aside His garments.” John 13:3-4 NKJV
“When you insist on your rights, you ignore responsibilities and miss opportunities.”
My thoughts today are about “exceptions and examples.”
No wonder every disciple in the room was stunned, including Simon Peter who was never speechless even when he should have been. Jesus had left His place at the head of the table and assumed the responsibility of a common household servant. Moments earlier in a seamless robe that soldiers would soon gamble over, Jesus now girded himself with a servant’s towel.
Listen to Jesus’ words, as true to you today as to them. “Do you know what I was doing?. . I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you . . You know these things – now do them. That’s the path of blessing!” John 13:12-17 NLT. Every one of the disciples considered himself an exception. Jesus was willing to be an example!
It was a common courtesy that any house in their time and culture offered its guests, but none had chosen to offer such a courtesy on this evening. If they had known this would be their last evening with Jesus, would they have thought and acted differently? Hours later Jesus would be arrested and tried, convicted, and punished by death for false charges.
I think that ultimately there are only two kinds of people. The first is people who consider themselves an exception. You’ve met them. I hope you never become one. Rules are for others, not me. Sacrifice is for others, not me. Serving is for others, not me. Generosity is toward me, not from me. Such folk give themselves the right to be an exception.
The happier people choose to be an example. They have learned the truth of Jesus’ words, “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” vs17. It is often tempting to do otherwise when you see so many doing so. Be assured, they will eventually find themselves lonely and empty because friends soon tire of their one way street going only their direction.
The Bible says, “Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV. How do you become an example? There will always be something that you have to lay aside, just as Jesus did – your perception of privilege, pride, image, being right or first, comfort, personal agenda, rights, preferences, self interest – what else can you think of?
It won’t be the same thing every time; usually it will be something you would rather hold on to, some form of privilege or right you earned or enjoy. The more you insist on your rights, the more you must ignore your responsibilities, and miss opportunities.
“It was to this that God called you, for Christ Himself . . left you an example, so that you would follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 Today’s English Version. Jesus made the requirements pretty clear, “If any man would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 NIV. Your world needs more people who are better examples, and a lot fewer people who think themselves exceptions. Why not start a new trend? Be first to choose second place. See Romans 12:10 NIV.
My prayer for you today is to be an exceptional example just because you can.