Wednesday, March 10, 2010


invitation to a changed life
serve like Jesus

Do you see the folded towels? Does it have to be complicated to serve Him? Can it be that simple, and quiet and humble and ...unappreciated?

Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, "Master, you wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later." Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet—ever!" Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing." "Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!" Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you." (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.") After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table. Then he said, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life."


John 13 gives us a rich example of what serving God looks like – in a nut shell it involves serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. There are several powerful lessons that can be learned from Christ’s example:

1. He knew who He was and where He was going.
2. He “showed them the full extent of His love.”
3. Serving others is the place of fulfillment.
4. He didn’t expect to be fully appreciated for what He was doing.

(thanks to Andrew Stevens)


God, please give me opportunities today to serve others like Jesus, to glorify you and to help others witness your love.

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