What does Jesus do in John 13 when he knows that “the Father had given all things into his hands” and that “he had come from God and was going back to God” (John 13:3)? Claim the throne? Wield his authority over his detractors? Call ten thousand angels? Coerce his disciples into pursuing his designs?
He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him (John 13:4–5).
Foot-washing. Jesus’ dominion over all things isn’t a dominion of heavy-handedness and manipulation, but a lordship of service and deference and meekness. Jesus’ having “all things [given] into his hands” didn’t lead him away from meeting others’ needs but precisely toward it, in washing his disciples’ feet and most significantly in dying for them, and for all who gladly embrace being so served.
And this kind of redefinition of dominion leads those for whom he died to do the same.
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you” (John 13:13–15).
Jesus exercising universal dominion in foot-washing isn’t merely an example. His self-sacrifice is our salvation. But it’s not less than an example. Those who have acceptance from God through his sacrifice love to echo that unique sacrifice in their service of others. They think of strength in terms of service. Privilege in terms of sacrifice. Power in terms of self-giving.
May Jesus’ redefinition of dominion in his unique sacrifice for us produce a different flavor of strength and privilege and power in those who claim his name.
Free eBook by Rebecca McLaughlin: ‘Jesus Through the Eyes of Women’
If the women who followed Jesus could tell you what he was like, what would they say?
Jesus’s treatment of women was revolutionary. That’s why they flocked to him. Wherever he went, they sought him out. Women sat at his feet and tugged at his robes. They came to him for healing, for forgiveness, and for answers. So what did women see in this first-century Jewish rabbi and what can we learn as we look through their eyes today?
In Jesus Through the Eyes of Women, Rebecca McLaughlin explores the life-changing accounts of women who met the Lord. By entering the stories of the named and unnamed women in the Gospels, this book gives readers a unique lens to see Jesus as these women did and marvel at how he loved them in return.
We’re delighted to offer this ebook to you for free.
