The Servant Example of Jesus

As we are in the middle of our Vacation Bible School, I want to thank the over 50 adults who have come out this week to serve in this wonderful outreach!

This past Sunday we looked at John 13:1-20 and observed Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. We talked about service towards others and how we need to follow the example that Jesus set for us.

The Privilege of Serving – “Jesus said to him, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you. (vs. 10)"

Unlike people of other faiths, we do not serve to become clean. We serve because we are clean – out of gratitude to the one who has cleaned us. The next time a Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness steps on your porch, remember that their service flows from a need to be saved, which has an underlying motive of fear. Our service flows from our gratitude of our promised salvation, which has an underlying emotion of joy! What a privilege to serve King Jesus! 

The Practice of Serving – “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. (vs. 14)”

We should make serving others a common practice of our lives. Since Christ has served us, we have the honor of serving others in his name. A simple illustration of this is the difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee gives fish and fresh water to the region around it, and flows into the Jordan River, which supplies much of Palestine with life. The Dead Sea has no outlet, and is one of the saltiest seas on earth. No fish can survive in its water. The Sea of Galilee is a giver, while the Dead sea is a taker. Which sea best represents your life in service towards others?  Are you a giver or a taker?

The Promise of Serving – “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (vs. 17)”

Jesus promises a blessing for anyone who follows his example to serve others. I cannot wait to see how Jesus is going to bless the people who are serving Him this week in our Vacation Bible School! While Jesus does not go into any detail as to what this blessing will be, one can be certain that it will be well worth seeking. What amazing motives for service that we see in this passage: A) We have been made clean in Jesus.  B) We will be rewarded. What else do we really need to be motivated to serve our king? Who can you serve this week?  

May God increase our desire to serve His kingdom!

- Bro. Dave