A series on Jesus final teachings before his betrayal.
2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
John 13:12-17 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each others feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
Jesus entire life was an example of what love looks like, in today's scripture he has a limited time to teach his disciples before his death. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach his disciples to show them love in a very tangible way, once again showing them the kind of lifestyle they should live.
Foot washing was a hospitable act that a servant would do but at this meal we see the host doing the foot washing. Most of us wouldn't want to touch anybodies stinking feet but Jesus used the opportunity to show us a few things about serving others.
You say that you don't like to serve? Jesus love was what motivated him to serve maybe if you are not motivated to serve then you might have a problem loving people. Jesus loved us so much that he came into our world as a peasant and served us and gave it all for us despite the high position that he had. Jesus wasn't too good to serve so it seems pretty obvious that none of us are too good.
Let God's love show through you.
1 John 3:16,18 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.We are called to live a life of sacrifice and service, putting aside our old selfish man and following the example that we have been given. (Romans 12:1, Philippians 2:5) It sounds like a difficult task, to live in opposition to our sin nature, we don't have to go it alone, the Holy Spirit will help us to become more like Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:5-9)
I need your help Lord to live a lifestyle that is pleasing to you, thank you for your willingness to show love.
