Secure and Humble

True humility is not the same as a poor self-image. It is rooted in love, and it is based on a good self-image and emotional security.

Jesus was the most secure person who ever lived; His self-image came from His Heavenly Father. But secure people do not flaunt their security or their position. So on the night of the Passover meal, Jesus displayed the freedom to step down from His position of authority to provided a vivid image of a servant-leader. [He] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (Jn. 13:4-5 NKJV)

Although Jesus knew all that lay ahead, and although He knew He could choose to walk away from His impending death, He also knew He would submit to His Father. And submitting to the Father required a servant’s heart. So, during this final meal together, Jesus securely and humbly served His followers.

Originally published July 27, 1990.

As You Have Believed

A Roman centurion came to Jesus when a beloved servant was painfully tormented. Because the centurion was Roman, he would have had only limited knowledge of God’s Word. And it would have been against his background and training to seek help from an obscure rabbi of an occupied nation.

But the man had a need, and he was impressed by Jesus—by the nature and the character of Jesus’ ministry. So he approached, not expecting special consideration, asking that Jesus, “only speak a word. . . .” (Mt. 8: NKJV) He believed Jesus could help him by healing his servant from a distance.

Jesus marveled at the man’s faith. He saw the centurion as a forerunner of multitudes of Gentiles—of people outside the nation of Israel—who would turn to God: “many will come from east and west,” Jesus said, “and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven . . . Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” (v. 11,13b)

Originally published May 4, 1990.
Picture: Desert landscape, Las Vegas, NV, 2008. Photo by Solveig.