Have you ever found yourself caught between the desire for power and the call to humility? It's a struggle as old as time, yet as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. As we approach Maundy Thursday, we're invited to reflect on this delicate balance and consider which path we choose to follow.
The Sacred In-Between of Holy Week
Maundy Thursday Marks a pivotal moment in Holy Week, what commentators describe as a "sacred in-between." It's a time when we, as modern-day believers, become interlopers into the events of Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper. This evening sets the stage for a profound lesson in humility that would echo through the ages.
As we read in John 13:3-5, "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
The Power Struggle Among Disciples
While Jesus was demonstrating the ultimate act of humility, His disciples were engaged in a very different pursuit. "During Jesus' final days, all those around him seem to be clawing for power," I noted in my sermon. We see Judas selling out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, and other disciples asking, "who is the greatest" amongst them.
It's not hard to imagine Jesus quietly sighing, perhaps even throwing up His hands in exasperation, as He watched those He trusted miss the gravity of the moment. "When Jesus is exposing his humanity is when he is met with the power his disciples are attempting to gain," I observed.
Modern Examples of Power vs. Humility
This struggle between power and humility isn't confined to Biblical times. We see it play out in our world today, from politics to social media. But occasionally, we witness powerful examples of humility that remind us of Jesus' teachings.
One such example occurred recently with Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Following a serious illness and hospitalization, the Pope made an unexpected visit to St. Peter's Basilica. But it wasn't his presence that caught attention - it was his appearance.
As author Julianne Stanz beautifully described:
"What I saw was different. Healing—especially after a serious illness—has a way of reshaping and refocusing our priorities. It teaches us to be grateful: for life, for reduced pain, for each precious breath... If your image of the priesthood is configured to power, rather than service, then you may struggle with the image of Pope Francis-frail, in his wheelchair, oxygen apparatus clearly visible in a simple poncho. But to me, it is an image of profound humility and humanity. A Pope who leads by presence, not performance. A Pope for the people, of the people."
Choosing Between Power and Humility
So, when asked, "whom do you choose to serve?" how do we answer? Do we serve power, or do we serve humility?
This night, Maundy Thursday, is intended for us to think deeply about this question. We're invited to reflect on it through the gospel account of Jesus and His disciples in their final hours together, through sharing a meal at the communion table, and through the act of foot washing that, admittedly, might make some of us uncomfortable - just as it did Simon Peter.
Putting It Into Practice
As we navigate our own "in-betweens," may we always choose the path of humility over the path of power, just as we have been taught. Here are some practical ways to cultivate humility in our daily lives:
Remember, as Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
As we move through this Holy Week, let's challenge ourselves to follow Jesus' example of humble service. In doing so, we may find that true power lies not in exalting ourselves, but in lifting others up.
The Sacred In-Between of Holy Week
Maundy Thursday Marks a pivotal moment in Holy Week, what commentators describe as a "sacred in-between." It's a time when we, as modern-day believers, become interlopers into the events of Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper. This evening sets the stage for a profound lesson in humility that would echo through the ages.
As we read in John 13:3-5, "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
The Power Struggle Among Disciples
While Jesus was demonstrating the ultimate act of humility, His disciples were engaged in a very different pursuit. "During Jesus' final days, all those around him seem to be clawing for power," I noted in my sermon. We see Judas selling out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, and other disciples asking, "who is the greatest" amongst them.
It's not hard to imagine Jesus quietly sighing, perhaps even throwing up His hands in exasperation, as He watched those He trusted miss the gravity of the moment. "When Jesus is exposing his humanity is when he is met with the power his disciples are attempting to gain," I observed.
Modern Examples of Power vs. Humility
This struggle between power and humility isn't confined to Biblical times. We see it play out in our world today, from politics to social media. But occasionally, we witness powerful examples of humility that remind us of Jesus' teachings.
One such example occurred recently with Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Following a serious illness and hospitalization, the Pope made an unexpected visit to St. Peter's Basilica. But it wasn't his presence that caught attention - it was his appearance.
As author Julianne Stanz beautifully described:
"What I saw was different. Healing—especially after a serious illness—has a way of reshaping and refocusing our priorities. It teaches us to be grateful: for life, for reduced pain, for each precious breath... If your image of the priesthood is configured to power, rather than service, then you may struggle with the image of Pope Francis-frail, in his wheelchair, oxygen apparatus clearly visible in a simple poncho. But to me, it is an image of profound humility and humanity. A Pope who leads by presence, not performance. A Pope for the people, of the people."
Choosing Between Power and Humility
So, when asked, "whom do you choose to serve?" how do we answer? Do we serve power, or do we serve humility?
This night, Maundy Thursday, is intended for us to think deeply about this question. We're invited to reflect on it through the gospel account of Jesus and His disciples in their final hours together, through sharing a meal at the communion table, and through the act of foot washing that, admittedly, might make some of us uncomfortable - just as it did Simon Peter.
Putting It Into Practice
As we navigate our own "in-betweens," may we always choose the path of humility over the path of power, just as we have been taught. Here are some practical ways to cultivate humility in our daily lives:
- Serve others: Look for opportunities to serve those around you, especially those who can't repay you.
- Listen more, speak less: Practice active listening and seek to understand others before being understood.
- Admit mistakes: Be quick to acknowledge when you're wrong and ask for forgiveness.
- Celebrate others' successes: Instead of seeking the spotlight, shine it on others' achievements.
- Seek feedback: Regularly ask for honest feedback about your blind spots and areas for growth.
Remember, as Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
As we move through this Holy Week, let's challenge ourselves to follow Jesus' example of humble service. In doing so, we may find that true power lies not in exalting ourselves, but in lifting others up.
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