Tag: serve others

John 13:1-17 – Be a Servant

Read John 13:1-17

Are you as perplexed by Jesus’ actions as his disciples were?  The foot washing ritual was regularly done by slaves, certainly not by the Messiah himself. But Jesus didn’t want to waste this opportunity, another teachable moment. Jesus knew his time had come; it was the moment he had anticipated his whole ministry. His disciples hadn’t quite grasped what that meant.

Jesus chose to care for and serve his closest followers with the time he had left. That speaks volumes to me about how much Jesus loves his chosen ones. There would be no slipping away this time. Jesus’ time had come, and the lesson on being a servant leader was left to last. Continue reading “John 13:1-17 – Be a Servant”

John 13:1-17 – The Servant

Read John 13:1-17

You’re invited into a very tender moment between Jesus and his closest followers in this reading. We find ourselves with Jesus and his disciples on the last night they’ll spend together before his death on the cross. All four gospels mention Jesus’ last supper, but John’s gospel is the only one that reveals Jesus’ character as a servant washing his disciples’ feet.

What does this tell us about who Jesus is? Jesus wants us to see another side of his leadership style, that a of a servant. Jesus wants us to model after him, so it’s good to see him in action. As Christians, we seek every day to be more like Jesus. Getting to know Jesus helps us figure out how to act. Even though Jesus is God’s son, he is approachable and loving with the heart of a servant.

Continue reading “John 13:1-17 – The Servant”

1 Peter 4:7-11 – Bring Glory to God

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11

That first line sure grabbed me, did it for you? I had to stop and just nod my head. I’d love to think that Jesus was coming soon. And then I remember all the people I know and love that don’t know Jesus yet, or if they do, they aren’t nurturing their relationship like Jesus deserves. So when you wonder why Jesus hasn’t come yet, remind yourself there are still people who need to know about him and be saved.

We’re a lot closer to Jesus’ return than Peter was when he wrote this letter. Thousands of years have already passed. In every generation, people have been getting ready. I don’t suppose any of those who love Jesus mind when they get to heaven. We have the confidence he’ll return when the Father says so. He promised. It’s our job to be ready.

Continue reading “1 Peter 4:7-11 – Bring Glory to God”

1 Timothy 3:8-15 – How’s Your Servant Heart?

Read 1 Timothy 3:8-15

3 blue people figures with words SERVE Each Other and a diagram picture of words like love, serve, attend, hold, care for

If you thought that the “rules” for church leaders were strict, now we address the do’s and don’ts for deacons. Did you find it interesting that the expectation for deacons extends to their wives (spouses) as well?

You may be asking, “what is a deacon?” If your church didn’t recognize a hierarchy of church leaders or give titles to the helpers, that word may not be familiar. In Paul’s day, a deacon would be a servant, anyone who serves the body of Christ. I think of this passage from Matthew 20:26, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” I’m not sure I seek to be “great,” but I do seek to please God in all I say and do.

Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:8-15 – How’s Your Servant Heart?”
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