HRT Advent 2020

Throughout his ministry, Jesus often stepped outside the bounds of socially appropriate behavior in a way that required explaining. The night before his betrayal was one such occasion. Rising from the dinner table, Jesus proceeded to wash the feet of each of his disciples. This act of service was shocking on a number of levels. It was the disciples’ job to serve their teacher, not the other way around. But more than that, even the disciples would not have been expected to wash Jesus’ feet, for footwashing was considered such a demeaning task that it was only ever assigned to non-Jewish slaves. Is it any wonder that Simon Peter was so aghast when Jesus knelt before him, towel in hand?

And yet, this scandalous act was entirely in keeping with Jesus’ mission on earth. Jesus came to teach us how to walk in God’s ways, or to use the language of Jesus himself, he came to show us how to live in the kingdom of God. More than just coming to die, Jesus came to teach us how to live. From this humble footwashing to dining with sinners to his radical forgiveness, Jesus called for his followers to practice in their own life, the Kingdom Life that he demonstrated in his: “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you” (John 13:15).

I’m reminded of one morning in 1963, when Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. looked out on his front lawn and saw a familiar sight. Planted in his yard was a burning cross. Now, Dr. King was no stranger to these threats. In the past five years he had been bombed, stabbed, and repeatedly imprisoned. And after every act of evil and violence that he endured by people who hated him, the world watched for his response.

And so again on this morning in 1963, journalists were waiting outside his home, as Dr. King came out with his iconic suit and tie. He picked up the crude, blackened cross, and he began to say a prayer - not for his family or cause or safety or vindication. No, in Christlike fashion, Dr. King began to pray for God’s blessing and favor to be extended to the people who lit that cross in his yard. It was a moving scene for all who looked on as they caught a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven.

This is why Jesus came: to teach us how to live as God’s children. His is the exemplary life to imitate. In Christ’s life we see God’s kingdom, and when we follow in Christ’s footsteps, living according to his example, we manifest that kingdom in our own lives as Jesus did in his. What a glorious thought! As we prepare for Christ’s advent and live in expectation of his return, may we, like Dr. King and countless believers before him, discover the joy of God’s kingdom on earth as we imitate the Lord.