In a meeting the other day I listened to people describing themselves to one another, I think what shocked me about this exchange of information was the way in which both qualifications and accomplishments were of the utmost importance, as if we were saying to one another; listen while I tell you how important I am! To be fair the tone was set by the chair of the meeting, yet it was an interesting if sad reflection on how we value ourselves and one another!
Interestingly I find that the people I respect the most are often the most humble people, people who if they chose to air their accomplishments would impress and even astound us, yet they choose to tell us about their family and hobbies, they make themselves ordinary, even vulnerable.
When Jesus took upon himself the task of a servant, John makes sure that we know this was not done from a sense of insecurity, but rather in complete confidence, Jesus knew who he was, and he chose to serve;
Jesus knew that the Father had put everything under his power. He also knew he had come from God and was returning to God. So he got up from the meal and took off his outer clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a large bowl. Then he began to wash his disciple's feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 14: 3-5)
Like Peter I suspect we struggle when those we feel are "over" us choose to serve us, do we also struggle with the concept of service from time to time, preferring instead to take the higher position- much like the guests at the banquet.
There is however a huge difference between true and false humility, if we take a " lower" place fully expecting to be called forward, does the same embarrassment overwhelm us albeit internally when we are left in our lowly position? How we think of ourselves is important, we need like Jesus to learn to embrace the role of servant, even to delight in that role...
So what is the key here- I suspect it is to love and value others, to seek to see them as God sees them, to seek as Jesus did to call forth the best from them, to understand that while the knowledge of Gods love for us calls us out and sets us apart, it sets us apart for his service not for our own comfort or glory.....
So as I ponder this Scripture I am challenged to value so called lower status, whilst being able to look in the mirror and to know myself loved, unique and valuable- just like everyone else!
Brother, sister, let me serve you,
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace
To let you be my servant too