Posted: 4/05/07
Bible Studies for Life Series for April 15
The way of Christ involves service and sacrifice
• John 13:1-17
First Baptist Church, Stanton
I got my first job the summer I turned 15 years old. I worked at the Black Mule Gas Station. I was a “service attendant,” which meant I pumped gas into the car for people.
Remember what “full service” meant? Wash the windshield. Check the air in the tires—make sure the pressure was just right. Check the oil gauge to see if any oil needed to be added. Since my dad was a mechanic, I knew he was proud.
My job at the Black Mule gas station lasted two weeks. A customer (from our local church) drove off while the gas pump was still in his gas tank!
My manager said I needed to learn more about the meaning of service. The truth is, I have spent many years trying to learn what it means to serve. We live in a world that seeks recognition, honor and fame.
What does it mean to serve others?
How can we humbly follow in the steps of our Servant-Savior, Jesus Christ? In this final study from the book of John, we will discover what Jesus wants from us as his followers.
The perfect example (John 13:1, 3-5)
Jesus is the perfect example. He becomes a servant. Jesus takes a basin and a towel, and he washes the feet of the disciples. A servant loves, and a servant is strong. Where in the world did we get the idea that to be a servant was to turn in our strength?
Jesus knew the time was right and he was ready. “He came from God and was returning to God.” Jesus had a strong sense of his own identity. Jesus knew “his time had come to leave,” which tells us servants must have a sense of direction. Jesus also knew “all things were under his power” (v. 3). This tells us servants must have a sense of authority. Under great personal stress, service wasn’t disregarded; in fact, it was the main message taught by Jesus.
The natural response (John 13:6-10)
Peter’s natural responses of embarrassment, arrogance and pride all get in the way of his understanding. Jesus offers him no explanation now—only that he will understand it all at a later time. Peter was willing to fight for a throne but not for a towel. The disciples were willing to do battle for a rightful place in the kingdom but not a rightful place of service.
We often don’t recognize how and when Jesus is working in our lives. Like Peter, we can be confused and misunderstand these events and try to explain them away.
Peter is so human, and we should acknowledge that. He says, “You’ll never wash my feet,” but Jesus does. Peter says, “I’ll lay down my life for you, Jesus,” but he doesn’t.
Notice in these verses that John is careful to point out that Jesus washed the feet of Judas also. Judas the betrayer is not ignored; he is served like the other disciples. Jesus doesn’t turn away from us—we always turn away from him. Servants serve all kinds of imperfect people.
The divine blessing (John 13:12-17)
Jesus asks, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” (v. 12). Jesus is not asking for information. He knows, and he is asking to reinforce to the disciples to make sure they know the meaning of his example. Jesus’ example is much more than just foot washing. It involves the whole of his life, death and resurrection. “Humble service” consists of much more than performing menial tasks or demonstrating humility—it involves sacrifice.
The disciples and Jesus entered a room. A basin with water and a towel was there. Remember it was a custom of the time because of the dirt and the dusty roads that someone washed their feet. Jesus became the servant. Jesus leaves us with an example.
Look for the opportunity to meet a need in someone’s life. Look for the little thing. Follow the example of Jesus. Do it because you love people. Do it even if there’s a Judas in the room. Do it even though the room is filled with imperfect people.
A powerful contemporary Christian song “If We Are the Body,” sung by Casting Crowns, illustrates it best: “But if we are the body why aren’t his arms reaching? Why aren’t his hands healing? Why aren’t his words teaching? And if we are the body, why aren’t his feet going? Why is his love not showing them there is a way?”
There is a way to Jesus. It involves the sacrifice, humility and service of all believers.
Discussion questions
• Can you remember a time when Jesus met a need in your life?
• Do we try to tell God how to do His work in our lives?
• How easily do you give up on people?
• What are some ways we can begin to serve people this week?
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