Day 19 Jesus is our example of being under pressure

Friends, the following is the manuscript for day 19 of a weekday video devotional series I'm sharing. These can be viewed on the Chain of Lakes Facebook page and my own personal Facebook page.  Blessings to you on Holy Thursday!

Good morning, friends. This is day 19 of a weekday video devotional series called, “Facing fears without being afraid.” If you enjoy the content, share it on your own Facebook page, like it, make a comment yourself.

During Holy Week I’m looking at times in the last week of Jesus’ life when he experienced strong emotions. We might compare them to a COVID-19 moment that we’ve had.

Today is Holy Thursday, the day that the church world wide remembers what happened in the Upper Room. So many parts of this story are amazing.

It’s amazing that Jesus celebrated the Passover in a room that wasn’t his own. He told his followers to go into Jerusalem and find a certain man and say “the teacher needs a room in your house.” That’s what happened.  Amazing.

While Jesus was in that room with the 12 disciples, they all experienced the drama of human emotion.  Jesus declared that one of the 12 would betray him.  The twelve got greatly distressed and declared that none of them would do so.  Then his disciples got into an argument about who among them was the greatest.  Can you imagine. The next day Jesus was going to be killed and he had to watch his most closest followers have an argument about greatness.  Jesus also told Peter that Peter was going to deny Jesus three times.

And in the midst of all of this drama, what did Jesus do? Did he condemn then for their squabbles. Did he criticize Peter for his upcoming denial.  Did he question why all of this had to happen in a borrowed room.

No. Jesus didn’t complain.  He washed the feet of his disciples and gave them a new commandment to love one another.  Yes he washed their feet.  He washed 24 dirty, stinky, crusty feet.  Even though he had every reason to feel sorry for himself because of the suffering he would undergo, Jesus still got out of himself and washed their feet.

Wow!

That is the ultimate in servant leadership.

The next time you’re at the end of your rope, remember what Jesus did. Jesus was at the end of his rope—and he still served others.  He washed 24 stinky feet.  

His example has stood the test of time.  Today we remember him.

As we remember his example we can have confidence that he will help us.  He will help us face fears without being afraid.