Last night we spoke in-depth about foot washing - how it just was not done - how the Midrash taught that NO HEBREW, not even a slave could be commanded to wash feet. It was the lowest of low dirty tasks. Why? Because they didn't drive their cars, take buses, trains or planes to where they were going. Because they walked . . . and walked . . . and walked. They didn't walk on paved roads or sidewalks. They walked on rugged, unsurfaced and unclean roads. Betsy, Lorraine and I can attest to that from our trip to the Holy Land. The pictures below are typical of the terrain we walked in the Holy Land. As you can see, a lot of it was hilly, but almost always dusty.
Your Feet Need A Washing
(John 13:5, 14-17)
I. Concentration: on Jesus sets an example before His disciples.
1. 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. (v.5)
2. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (vv.14-15)
3. “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” (v.16)
4. “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (v.17)
II. Meditation: on humble love.
1. Jesus removed His outer garment thereby resembling a servant; He shows His disciples how much He loved them by washing their feet, even the feet of the one who would soon betray Him – Judas Iscariot.
2. Jesus’s act of love was done with true humility and taught that in order for them to have eternal life they must be washed by Him (although they will not completely understand this until seeing Him on the cross); He tells them to do “as” He did, not “what” He did.
3. Jesus is the one sent by God, just as the disciples are the ones sent by Jesus; the disciples are to be submissive just as Jesus has been.
4. The Good News, the Gospel, must be lived by actions, not just in thoughts.
III. Revelation: on serving and being a Christly example.
1. As servants of God, it is important for us to show Christly love to His children – those who have already accepted Him as their savior, but especially those who are in such a great need of being washed by Jesus.
2. Learn from Jesus’ example of true humility – demonstrate our love for Jesus by serving others; be an example for others to follow.
3. Never feel we are above any type of serving; all works are for the glory of God, not our egos; if we are called upon to serve in any capacity – serve with joy.
4. With a servant’s heart, spread the Good News with our actions.
IV. Application: As a Christian, I need to:
1. Continue offering myself up as a servant of our Lord; seek opportunities within my church, ministries, family, neighborhood and strangers – wherever the need exists.
2. Be truly humble in my serving and always remember how Jesus’ love brought me back out of my despair; offer that same type of love to others to help them turn their lives around.
3. Always remember that my actions are for God’s glory, not my ego or pride.
4. Seek opportunities to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
The vine is the source of life for the branches. It provides the water and nutrients by which the grapes are produced. Without the vine, no fruit could ever result. Branches are utterly dependent upon the vine. Without Christ, there is no spiritual life or hope of eternal reward.
I, myself, have used the excuses that "I would have prayed, but there were people around . . . there were too many distractions . . . it was too noisy" I need to learn this art from Brother Lawrence and make it my goal to worship the Lord wherever and whenever.
The author reminds us that Jesus ministered 1) as he went on his way, 2) as he went out of his way and 3) in all kinds of ways.
We read about the story of the little boy who asked the evangelist at a revival meeting, "You said everyone should ask Jesus into their hearts, right?" . . . "Well, I'd like to . . . but I got to figurin' . . . I'm so little and Jesus is so big - he's just gonna stick out all over." The preacher replied, "That's the point son . . . that's the point."
We can truly make a difference if we get ourselves "connected to the vine" and by "living in a way that Jesus sticks out all over."
May God continue to bless each and every one of you!!!
- Continue performing your RAKs (random acts of kindness).
- Read Chapter 8 in your book
- Answer week 7 study questions in your workbook
- Memorize Romans 8:28
- Continue to ask yourself . . . HCIDWJDIIDKWHD? (How can I do what Jesus did if I don't know what He did?) . . . Stay in The Word until we meet again.