Jesus Serves
#LoveLikeJesus Week 2
Pastor Kris Freeman
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Revolution Church
Scripture: John 13:1-15 (NLT)
Before the Passover Celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. (John 13:1-2).
On Thursday night, there is a secret meeting in the upper room. Jesus is about to be betrayed, arrested, convicted and crucified and meets with his disciples one last time before this incredible event transpires. A discussion - who is the greatest among the disciples and will sit next to Jesus?
Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. (John 13:3-5).
Serving starts with your ATTITUDE.
- The disciples were selfish and not very discerning
- Jesus was listening, humble and diligent to the task
- He even washed the feet of Judas who would betray him and Peter who denied him
He GOT UP - stopped what he was doing and put others ahead.
Why wash the disciples feet?
- Common courtesy was to wash feet before entering the home/room. This should have already been done.
- What are the common courtesies of your hospitality? - Take coat, offer place to sit, food or drink, adjust the temperature, place to stay. NONE of these seem like a low and humiliating task!
- A normal host would have CALLED for a SERVANT instead of doing it themselves.
The act of washing feet was setting an example of HUMBLE service to proud hearts with selfish desires.
But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important? The one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:26-27)
Jesus is:
- The AUTHORITY - King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End, First and the Last, holds the Keys to Hell and Death, the Redeemer, the Rock, the Sanctification, the Righteousness
- The ALL-SUFFICIENT - The Bread of Life, the Son of God, the Living Water, the Lamb of God, the True Vine, the King of Glory, the Chosen One, the Living Stone, the Righteous Judge, the Light of the World, the Great High Priest, the Prince of Peace
- He is not either-or, he is BOTH-AND. He set the example: leaders serve and servants lead.
Quote this: Serving is not always about my actions. Serving starts with my attitude.
Washing their feet was showing them how much he LOVED them and was willing to humbly serve them, so they by example would serve the world.
Quote this: When you serve with the right heart, it’s not about you.
- Your gifts are not about you.
- Your talent is not about you.
- Your serving is not about you.
Serving doesn’t need to be seen (but it CAN be), serving doesn’t need to be acknowledged (but it MIGHT be), serving doesn't need to be repaid (but it COULD be).
“But I can’t find a church that meets my needs.” WHAT??? Why? Every Christian has a calling. You are not called to be a Christian CONSUMER, you are called to be a Christian CONTRIBUTOR.
Want to change your marriage? Serve. Want to change your friendships? Serve. Want to find meaning in life? Serve. Want to make a difference in the world? Serve. Want to glorify Jesus? Serve. Want to make your church a better place for others to meet Jesus? Serve. Want to change your community? Serve.
If you want to love like Jesus, serve like Him.
#LoveLikeJesus
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