“We get to join Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection in order to live his life of humility on earth. This means that humility truly is a fundamental aspect of life with Jesus. . . . This also means that humility should be the fragrance that marks every Christian virtue.”- Joel Muddamalle
“Jesus . . . rose from supper. 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 the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”- John 13:4-5 (ESV)
As Joel Muddamalle moves on in Chapter 9 of The Hidden Peace, he notes that Jesus gave us a powerful picture of humility when He washed His disciples’ feet. Now, Joel wryly states, don’t envision sorta-grubby feet in a bubbly soak. Like getting a mani-pedi. Because foot washing in the ancient world was downright nasty. For feet came caked with dirt and lots of other repulsive stuff picked up walking down those ancient streets.
Thus, as we unite with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, it’s the:
- oxygen we breathe.
- clothing we’re always wearing.
- the soil we set our roots in.
Just like Jesus, we become a humble person. Hence, Joel continues:
“As the fruits of the Spirit grow out of the soil of humility, each one is laced with the fragrance of humility. We start with humility. And then we are sustained, equipped, and empowered through a consistent practice of returning to humility. This is cultivating humility. It’s an ongoing pursuit, even as it becomes more and more ingrained (emphasis author’s).”
In conclusion, Joel states, Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet represented a pattern of humble acts. Acts that revealed His nature and also pointed to what was coming next in His story. And, if the disciples had paid closer attention, they would have seen Jesus’ incarnation, His ministry of selfless serviced, the foot washing — and then the crucifixion.
Today’s question: What most helps the fragrance of humility mark every Christian virtue in your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “When God speaks – listen, believe”