What does Jesus do in John 13 when he knows that “the Father had given all things into his hands” and that “he had come from God and was going back to God” (John 13:3)? Claim the throne? Wield his authority over his detractors? Call ten thousand angels? Coerce his disciples into pursuing his designs?
He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him (John 13:4–5).
Foot-washing. Jesus’ dominion over all things isn’t a dominion of heavy-handedness and manipulation, but a lordship of service and deference and meekness. Jesus’ having “all things [given] into his hands” didn’t lead him away from meeting others’ needs but precisely toward it, in washing his disciples’ feet and most significantly in dying for them, and for all who gladly embrace being so served.
And this kind of redefinition of dominion leads those for whom he died to do the same.
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you” (John 13:13–15).
Jesus exercising universal dominion in foot-washing isn’t merely an example. His self-sacrifice is our salvation. But it’s not less than an example. Those who have acceptance from God through his sacrifice love to echo that unique sacrifice in their service of others. They think of strength in terms of service. Privilege in terms of sacrifice. Power in terms of self-giving.
May Jesus’ redefinition of dominion in his unique sacrifice for us produce a different flavor of strength and privilege and power in those who claim his name.
Is there enough evidence for us to believe the Gospels?
In an age of faith deconstruction and skepticism about the Bible’s authority, it’s common to hear claims that the Gospels are unreliable propaganda. And if the Gospels are shown to be historically unreliable, the whole foundation of Christianity begins to crumble.
