Serving Like Jesus

John 13.12-17 In a large household in Israel in the first century there would be a number of servants. Each would have tasks assigned to them. To the lowest servant would fall the job of washing the feet of the guests who came into the home. Interesting how foot care differs in the Far East, Middle East and west. In the Far East the change is into slippers from regular shoes when entering into a home. In the Middle East sandals were prevalent- feet were washed when entering. Feet in leather sandals in the first century would perspire, pick up a lot of dirt and need a good washing. It was very refreshing to the washee but unpleasant to the washer! 1- It was a dirty job. Washing the dirt off the feet got your hands dirty! 2- It was a distasteful job. Odor 3- It was a disgusting job. How we tend to sanitize the manger, the cross and even this act on the part of Jesus. Now on the way to Jerusalem for the feast (just before they left Capernaum- Matthew 18.1-5) and at the table that night (Luke 22.23-32) they had been arguing over who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps this is in part what happened to bring on Jesus' washing their feet. He spoke to them about this act of serving. Many times our LORD would do things while He was here on earth- healings and miracles and say very little. Here He speaks with more words than usual and with deep meaning. He begins with... 1. A Deep Question About Servanthood -v.12 "Do you understand what I have done for you?" God Almighty in the flesh washing the feet of men! The Creator/ the creatures Do you perceive? Have you come to an intimate embrace of what I have done for you? There is no task beneath us!... any of us... particularly ministers There are great spiritual truths here! *God's servants serve. *A willingness to take the lowest spot and serve like Christ is the best. *Love and Joy in serving is priceless. 2. Jesus Sets the Example vs.13-15 Do what He has done- in our culture washing feet is not an issue really but doing lowly tasks, the jobs no one else wants are huge- it is what Christ is all about. The LORD and Master performed the act of a slave. He is our example. There are many things to be done in the kingdom today. Whatever you do, so it with the love like Jesus did. He is lover personified. See a need and meet it in Jesus's Name! Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God I Corinthians 10.31 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD... Colossians 3.32 Let this mind be in you that also was in Christ Jesus Philippians 2.3-5 Voluntarily Lovingly Aiming at Perfection Pouring out: The feast in John 7.37-39 Mary in John 12 Jesus in John 13 3. There is a blessing that comes when we serve like Jesus. vs.16-17 know= grasp the force and meaning, be skilled in regard for, cherish Greatness - kill that passion to be great by serving. Be a bond servant (doulos) Put Christ's words into practice and you will receive great blessings. Don't be self serving. Serve others.

Become Like Christ

Some of blessings (better experienced than explained) is rapturous joy, a sense of following Christ, connecting with people on a deep level making memories that will bless you, being a an instrument in the Master's Hand.

I Will serve Thee