John 13:1-20 | What's the lesson for me today?

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
-Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
-Philippians 2:1-4

Scripture makes it abundantly clear how we are supposed to respond to seeing Jesus' example of humility. When we are considering passages like this in John, we should be thinking of the example set for us. John, in his first epistle, encourages this abundantly.

6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
-1 John 2:6

We should walk as Jesus Himself walked. If He was not willing that He exalt Himself, why do we live with so much selfish ambition in our hearts? Consider His glory and how He set that aside. The more glory we receive, the more we revel in. It is hard for us to set things aside that we may serve one another. A simple way this takes place: are we more concerned with asking others how their day was or more excited to talk about our own day? Would we be okay if we never talked about ourselves but heard about everyone else? We may say yes, but we exemplify very much the opposite.

Jesus did something that no one at that time would do. Being in a higher position, there is no way he should lower Himself to the form of a servant. Culturally speaking, that was shameful. You can see the evidence of this in the disciples' objection to it. Nevertheless, Jesus took this form and served in a humble capacity. Let us take that lesson and put it into action.

The lesson for me today is a lesson in humility and servanthood.

What lesson are you taking away?