BE HUMBLE

9-10. How did Jesus show extraordinary humility?

⁹ On the night before he was put to death, Jesus taught Peter and the other apostles an important lesson in humility. Earlier, Jesus had sent Peter and John to get things ready for the last meal that Jesus would share with them as a human. The preparations likely included making sure that a basin and towels were available so that the guests could have their feet washed before the meal. But who would care for this humble task when the time came?

¹⁰ Without hesitation, Jesus showed extraordinary humility. Much to the astonishment of his apostles, he did something that a servant would normally do. Jesus took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, put water into the basin, and started washing their feet. (John 13:4, 5) It may have taken some time to wash the feet of all 12 apostles​—including Judas, who was going to betray him. Yet, Jesus humbly completed the task. Then Jesus patiently explained: “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are correct, for I am such. Therefore, if I, the Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also should wash the feet of one another.”​—John 13:12-14.

11. How did Peter show that he had learned to be humble? (1 Peter 5:5) (See also picture.)

¹¹ Peter learned from Jesus’ humility. After Jesus returned to heaven, Peter performed a miracle by healing a man who was lame from birth. (Acts 1:8, 9; 3:2, 6-8) Naturally, this amazing event drew a crowd of people. (Acts 3:11) Would Peter bask in the glory of the moment, given that he had come from a background where prominence and position were greatly emphasized? No, Peter humbly directed praise away from himself and gave the rightful credit to Jehovah and Jesus, saying: “Through [Jesus’] name, and by our faith in his name, this man whom you see and know has been made strong.” (Acts 3:12-16) The words Peter used in a letter to the Christians regarding the need to cultivate humility may remind us of the occasion when Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist and washed the feet of the apostles.​—Read 1 Peter 5:5.