Earlier this week, I read an article regarding Ron Gronkowski’s (Gronk) decision to retire from the NFL while at the top of his game. This article was full of one accolade after another about Gronk’s prowess on the football field while playing for the oft Super Bowl Champs, New England Patriots. His for sure Hall of Fame QB during this time, Tom Brady, called him the G.O.A.T., the Greatest of All Time. Whether you “hate” the Patriots or not, it seems everyone joined in with accolades. From the world’s standpoint, he has been idolized as the G.O.A.T. Gronk being a fun-loving guy has basked in all of this glory.
In John 13:3, “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.” Jesus knew he was the son of God. He knew that all things were under his power. Realizing that he was the G.O.A.T., what was his next move? “4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” Even with the realization of who he was, Jesus served as if he was the lowest servant. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and then dried them with his personal towel.
In Philippians 2:6 6 Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. He knew that he was the G.O.A.T. but never used it for his own good or drew attention to himself. What was his next move? 7 Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! The all-time G.O.A.T. willingly came here on earth and humbled himself to a common man’s life ultimately becoming obedient to death, even the most grievous, painful death on a cross, punishment set aside for the worst of criminals.
So, how should we respond to this? We take up the mind of Christ and willingly, humbly and obediently accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior. Then, we emulate his life and become true, sincere servants of others “loving as Christ loved us.”
Philippians 2:5 challenges us “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,” the true, eternal G.O.A.T. Amen!
Barnabas Man 