Apostolic Humility

Shocking Humility

Jesus once left His disciples (nearly) speechless. After none of them took it upon themselves to see to the proper feet washing before the Passover meal that would be their last together… 

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. 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 the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, do you wash my feet?’” (John 13:3–6, ESV)

John doesn’t tell us the order in which Jesus approached His disciples, so we cannot know when Peter’s turn for this humiliating honor came. However, either before Peter’s turn, after, or both, the hush that overtook the room had to be palpable.

Then, Jesus—as much the Good Teacher as the Good Physician—said,

“Do you understand what I have done to you? 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 to you.” (John 13:12a–15, ESV)

What an example to follow!

Apostolic Humility

Paul’s opening line in Philippians reminds me of that scene in the upper room. Consider verse 1, “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.” This is the indisputable apostle Paul! Bearing the marks of Christ, he’s an apostle sent directly from God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son (Gal. 1:1, 6:17), with a gospel he received as a revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:12). Formerly a zealous persecutor, the Hebrew of Hebrews now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy. He’s preached the gospel before important people! He’s planted churches and fought with wild beasts to do it!

However, this hard-working apostle doesn’t insist on his title and position among the Philippians. Rather, like his master, teacher, and Lord, Paul takes the form of a servant. We can call Paul an “apostle and teacher” and would be right to do so, but Paul takes the position of a servant: 

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:1)

He does it for a reason, friend. He knows the profound truth he intends to teach this church. He intends to call them to unity of mind, over against selfish ambition and conceit. Paul plans to exhort this church to count others more significant than themselves. Not only that, but Paul learned this lesson from Jesus and intends for the Philippians to as well. He wants them to have the same mind as Christ Jesus, who “took the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). Paul wants the Philippians to be servants of one another just as Paul is and just as Jesus is.

Paul follows Christ’s example, sets one for the Philippians, and calls them to practice it themselves. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9)

How much more should we lay aside our rights—which are far less than Lordship or apostleship—and serve one another?

Final Application

One other detail jumps out in this first phrase, “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.” Paul referred to Timothy as a servant, too! That implies at least two things. First, notice that Timothy was following Paul’s example (Philippians 2:22), serving with him in the Gospel. Secondly, can you grasp the humility Paul displayed by calling his spiritual son his equal? He did so in an apostolic letter that would become canonized as God’s very own Word—forever cementing an equal footing of a kind between himself and Timothy.

So, then, if this is the manner in which Jesus dispensed His Lordship and Paul his apostleship, what do you use your positions and titles for?

Pastor, do you lord it over your people? Do you give them the respect of listening when they speak? What about your kids, mom and dad? Look today for a chance to humble yourself and serve them. Mentors and disciplers, how do you regard those under your wing? Paul and Timothy were servants together with Jesus the Foot Washer; we servants are surely no greater than our Master.

“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” (1 Peter 5:5–6, ESV)