Serve: Scriptural Parallels
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. John 13:4-5 (KJV)
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV)
In John 13:4-5, we see a parallel to Philippians 2:5-8. Let’s look at this in detail.
John 13:4 says that Jesus “riseth from supper.” Jesus left the table. This can represent the fact that Jesus left fellowship with the Father to be with us. He left heaven to come to earth. It also says He “laid aside his garments,” symbolizing that He had laid aside His heavenly glory to become a man. According to Philippians 2:7, Jesus made Himself of no reputation, emptying Himself and laying aside His heavenly glory, eternal riches, and the use of His divine deity. Yet, He was both God and man. John 13:4 goes on to say that Jesus took a towel, and verse 5 describes Him washing the disciples’ feet.
Philippians 2:7 says Jesus “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant” This corresponds directly with John 13:4-5 where Jesus washes the feet of the disciples as a servant would. Jesus came to serve, not to be served, which is a great lesson we should learn.
Our passage from John 13 takes place at the last supper as Jesus prepares to suffer and die on the cross. Philippians 2:8 says that Jesus “humbled himself, and became obedient, unto death, even the death of the cross,” which means Jesus chose to go to the cross. Nobody made Him do it. He willingly died in the most painful way to die at that time in history, possibly at any time in history. That’s why it says “EVEN the death of the cross.”
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)
If we continue reading in Philippians 2, verses 9-11, we see that after Jesus suffered and died, God exalted and vindicated Him, giving Him a name that is above all names. All will eventually bow and confess that He is Lord. They will either willfully do it now or later when they are judged.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:15 (KJV)
As we follow Jesus’ example, seeking and assuming the lowest position for the good of God and mankind, we, too, will be glorified. The lower we go to serve others, the higher God can exalt us for His greater glory. As we serve like Jesus, we can bring many sons to glory where others can see Jesus, our glorious Lord.
