Day 32: An Invitation to Life
Gospel Reading
Click here for today's chronological reading of the Gospels.
- Matthew 25:31-26:5; 26:14-25
- Mark 14:1-2; 14:10-21
- Luke 21:37-22:16; 22:21-30
- John 13:1-30
An Invitation to Life
At the table with Jesus, there is an invitation to life! It may not, however, be the life we'd imagine for ourselves. We may not end up with a brand new car, the perfect mate, our dream job, and a robust bank account. Around the table with Jesus, He shows us and tells us that a significant part of His life is defined by humility.
Jesus doesn’t actually use the word "humility" in any of the readings today. Instead, He lives it. He kneels down on the floor and washes His disciples' feet (John 13:4-5).
Those who are greater among you should take the lowest rank,
and the leader should be like a servant.
- Luke 22:26 (NLT)
Jesus’ invitation to life is saturated with a humility that is completely unexpected and counter-cultural; it’s also not humility for the sake of looking good. Jesus’ humility comes from a place of love and is drenched in love for us. John 13:1 tells us that Jesus “loved His disciples during His ministry on earth, and now He loved them to the very end.”
Around the table, humility and love are woven together. It’s visual and emotive. We watch Jesus bend down. We feel the water as He washes our feet. We see the love on His face. We hear Him talk to us, telling us who He is and how He wants us to mirror His actions. We hear His passion for us to live in complete opposition to the selfish, compulsive culture around us — a way that in every way is His way and not our way.
Jesus’ way leads to life!
Daily Practice and Reflection
What’s your response? Are you still imagining the life of Jesus as something you get from Him? Or can you imagine it differently? Can you think of a situation right now where you know God wants you to act with humility? Do you believe you can follow through with it because you are first saturated in God’s love?
Take some time today around the table with Jesus. Spend time thinking about and answering the questions above. Then wait; don’t get up yet. Ask Him what He would like to say to you. Listen to His voice of love, and as you do, write down what you hear. Finally, ask Jesus to give you the faith and courage to walk in the way He shows you.