Humility

Matthew 11:29 AMPC

Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest ( relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

Philippians 2:5 AMPC

Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

Jesus had more cause that anyone in all existence to boast and be proud, yet the majestic Prince of Peace was humble in his heart.

It wasn't a false humility like a Uriah Heep (see Charles Dickens' character in David Copperfield) who was "ever so 'umble".

No, it was born out of knowing exactly who He was (see John 13:3).... that empowered Him to be able to take on tasks like washing His disciples' feet.

Maybe we've read it too often that it's lost its impact, but, honestly, could you imagine our queen stripping off, getting down on her knees and washing your feet?  Go on, take a moment and picture it in your mind's eye - it's fantastical!

We are called to have the same mind as Jesus and this can happen when the Holy Spirit enables us.

I recall quite a famous missionary guy, who was a friend of my mum, staying at our house as a guest years ago.

When I came home from work one day, he insisted that I sit down at the table where he proceeded to serve me with a meal he had cooked lovingly with his own hands [including a lovely apple pie with cloves that he'd learned from AB].

Honestly, this spoke more to me of Jesus than a hundred sermons which he had preached or songs that he had sung.

Through it I saw the humble heart of my Saviour shining through.

However, we are all at best undeserving servants:

Luke 17:7-10

‘Suppose one of you has a servant ploughing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, “Come along now and sit down to eat”? Won’t he rather say, “Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink”? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.”’

If tempted to think that you are too big to do menial tasks, get over yourself!

Look to Jesus and remember even He wasn't too proud to wash feet!