What Kingdom Authority Really Looks Like

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. [John 13.1-5]

Here is where Jesus revealed what Kingdom authority really looks like.

Jesus was about to accomplish the salvation of the world - with all authority - and what did He do? He washed His disciples' feet! 

Rarely do we see this kind of authority. Many attain to greatness, but few use that greatness to portray such humility and servanthood.

The meaning of Jesus' actions here is worthy of long and hard meditation. I am sure the disciples were bewildered. So, Jesus explained to them afterwards:

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. [John 13.12-17]

There is no room for haughtiness of any kind among those who wield the genuine power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, so powerful is the Holy Spirit within the true believer than he or she can, with all confidence, "wash the feet" of those they influence without any consideration or fear of 'losing control.'

Think about this: Judas was in that group. Jesus undoubtedly washed Judas' feet. Then look at this:

When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.”  [John 13.27]

Imagine for a moment what this scene must have been like! Satan had entered Judas whose feet Jesus had just humbly washed, and, the Servant Jesus looked him in the eye and, still in full authority said, Hurry and do what you’re going to do.”

You know what this tells me? It tells me that I can look evil, death, and destruction right in the eye and say, "do your worst!" knowing that if my life and humble service glorify God, that His Kingdom will prevail!

Wow.

Father, help me to face the days ahead of me right now in the same Spirit Jesus demonstrated at the Last Supper. So be it.