What does a servant look like? Join us on our journey through the Gospel of John. This week, we’ll look at John 13:1-17 and talk about the value of service that Jesus showed us when He washed His disciples' feet. If you want to grow in your faith and make a difference in your world, this is for you.
The Shape of a Servant
John 13:1
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Luke 22:24
What motivated Jesus to serve them by washing their feet?
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
The same three motivations should drive us to serve now:
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; 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.
1. Servants are secure.
Jesus knew who He was.
2. Servants find needs and meet them.
Jesus was demonstrating that …
• the way to greatness is service
• the way to power is humility
• the way to position is serving
Humility literally translated means: to stoop low.
The greatest barrier to meeting needs is pride.
How can I serve today?
3. Servants serve imperfect people.
John 13:6-15
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Is there someone’s feet I am unwilling to wash? Remember Jesus washed even Judas’ feet.
