2 Chronicles 17-18, John 13:1-20 • Key Verses: John 13:14-15
Ever see a candy wrapper on the floor of the lobby at church? Probably, and if not there, maybe
you saw one left on a pew, along with the discarded bulletin from the service.
Did you ever pick up the candy wrapper and throw it away, or did you leave it for someone else?
If you left it, could it be that you did not stoop to pick up someone else’s trash because it was
“beneath you"?
We can assess our pride by considering the question of what we will or will not do in various
situations. In a sense, a candy wrapper is an easy test. It gets harder when it’s a used tissue on the
floor, or a church workday when you are assigned to clean toilets. How “servant” our servant
heart is will be revealed by where we draw the line in what we will do.
The disciples served their Master but drew the line at washing feet. It was a mealtime, where
provision had been made to attend to this lowest of servant tasks, but not a single disciple moved
to pick up the basin and towel. It probably did not take long to establish that no one was going to
do what obviously should be done.
Then Jesus wrapped a towel around His waist, poured water into a basin and began to wash His
disciples’ feet. What they would not stoop to do, He did. “I have set you an example,” He said
(v. 15).
Examples are set to follow. The candy wrapper you see next Sunday at church is a test. How low
will you go to serve your Master?
Pride is a danger that must be carefully watched. Ask yourself, “What is beneath me?” and then
ask the Holy Spirit to bring it to your mind again, especially at a time when it is not just a
question but a genuine test of pride.

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in