For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,

and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

The night of Jesus’ betrayal had arrived. The moments with His disciples before His crucifixion were limited. Therefore, Jesus was purposeful in His actions.

Jesus demonstrated humility through service. Numerous times, Jesus had taught His disciple that a servant’s heart was necessary for spiritual greatness. However, the disciples were slow to learn. Even this night, the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples argued among themselves about who was the greatest. Jesus got up from the meal, poured water into a basin, and washed His disciples’ feet. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).  Jesus once again taught the lesson:

Kingdom greatness comes through service and humility.

Jesus knew Peter would deny knowing Him three times that night. Jesus purposefully encouraged Peter. Though Satan had asked to sift Peter like wheat, Jesus had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. Knowing Peter would turn back in faith, Jesus gave Peter a mission: “…when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32).  

Believer, when your faith falters, turn back. Remember Jesus prays for you and will strengthen you in service.

The time of Jesus’ arrest was near. His soul was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Jesus is God, yet He needed strength to move forward in His Father’s will. Three times in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done. At the end of His struggle in prayer, Jesus declared in strength, “Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer” (Matthew 26:46). Through submission to God’s will and dependence upon God in prayer, Jesus was strengthened to accomplish the greatest mission ever given.

Strength to do the Father’s will comes through submission to God and dependence upon Him.

Lord, make my steps purposeful. Encourage others through me and strengthen my faith and resolve to remain in your will.

Jan