True Power

In John 13 Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem and is with his disciples. In verse 3 it says, “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…” What would you expect it to say next? From everything I’ve learned about the way the world works I would expect it to say that he went out and began to lead people in a revolt against the government, or that he became emperor, or that he made some huge display of his power that brought all people to him.

But that’s not what it says. It says, “…he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” He goes on to wash his disciples’ feet in an act of servanthood. This may be the best example I know of the radical difference between the power of Jesus and the power of the world. For the world power is controlling things and people. For Jesus it was coming under them as a servant and winning their hearts. That is truly radical power.