Embracing Humility: Serving Like Jesus in Love

 

Summary

As we step into a new year, it's a time to reflect on our spiritual journey and consider how we can deepen our discipleship as followers of Jesus. I recommended two books to aid in this journey: "Disciplines of a Godly Man" by Kent Hughes for men, and "Rhythms of Renewal" by Rebecca Lyons for women. These books are tools to help us focus on what God cares about and to grow spiritually.

Despite the weather challenges, it's a blessing to gather and worship together. For those joining us online, I encourage you to support your local church through your presence and giving. It's a way to be part of the mission and to encourage your pastors.

Today, we delve into John 13, where Jesus, on the last night of His life, washes His disciples' feet. This act of humility and service is a profound lesson. In Jesus' time, washing feet was a task for the lowest servant, yet Jesus, the Master, chose to serve His disciples in this way. This act is a powerful demonstration of His love and a call for us to serve others with the same humility.

Peter's initial refusal to let Jesus wash his feet highlights our human pride and reluctance to accept help. Jesus' response to Peter is a reminder that we cannot cleanse ourselves; we need Jesus to do it for us. This is a call to let go of our pride and allow Jesus to cleanse us, both spiritually and in our daily lives.

Jesus' act of washing feet is not just about physical cleanliness but a symbol of spiritual cleansing and humility. He calls us to follow His example, to serve others selflessly, and to love as He loves. This includes loving those who may have wronged us, just as Jesus washed Judas' feet, knowing he would betray Him.

As we reflect on this passage, we are challenged to examine our own lives. Are we living as servants, following Jesus' example, or are we caught up in pride? Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved us is a call to action. It's a reminder that our love for others is a testament to our discipleship.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Humility and Service: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound lesson in humility and service. It challenges us to serve others selflessly, even those who may not deserve it, reflecting Jesus' love and humility. [50:39]

2. Let Go of Pride: Peter's reluctance to let Jesus wash his feet highlights our human pride. We must let go of our pride and allow Jesus to cleanse us, acknowledging that we cannot do it on our own. [52:38]

3. Love Like Jesus: Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved us is a call to action. Our love for others is a testament to our discipleship and reflects Jesus' love for us. [01:00:43]

4. Serve Even the Judas in Your Life: Jesus washed Judas' feet, knowing he would betray Him. This teaches us to serve and love even those who have wronged us, demonstrating God's unconditional love. [01:03:47]

5. Trust and Repent: Trusting Jesus with our lives involves repentance and turning away from sin. It's about laying our pride and past at His feet and trusting Him with our future. [01:18:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - New Year Reflections
- [02:30] - Book Recommendations for Spiritual Growth
- [05:15] - Weather Challenges and Gathering
- [07:00] - Encouragement for Online Viewers
- [09:30] - Prayer for the Service
- [10:45] - Introduction to John 13
- [12:00] - Jesus' Last Teachings
- [14:30] - The Act of Foot Washing
- [18:00] - Peter's Reaction and Lesson on Pride
- [22:00] - Jesus' New Commandment
- [25:00] - Loving Like Jesus
- [28:00] - Serving the Judas in Your Life
- [31:00] - Invitation to Trust and Repent
- [35:00] - Closing Prayer and Commissioning

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 13:1-17
- Philippians 2:5-7

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant act did Jesus perform for His disciples in John 13, and what was its cultural significance at the time? [50:39]

2. How did Peter initially respond to Jesus' act of washing his feet, and what was Jesus' response to him? [51:40]

3. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet symbolize beyond physical cleanliness? [55:45]

4. What new commandment does Jesus give to His disciples in John 13, and how does it relate to His actions? [01:00:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Jesus have chosen to wash the feet of all His disciples, including Judas, who would betray Him? What does this reveal about Jesus' character? [01:03:47]

2. How does the act of foot washing challenge the disciples' understanding of leadership and greatness? [57:36]

3. In what ways does Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved us redefine the concept of love among His followers? [01:00:43]

4. How does the sermon suggest that pride can hinder our relationship with Jesus, and what steps can be taken to overcome it? [52:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when pride prevented you from accepting help or serving others. How can you let go of pride and allow Jesus to cleanse and guide you in your daily life? [52:38]

2. Jesus washed the feet of Judas, knowing he would betray Him. Is there someone in your life who has wronged you, and how can you serve them with humility and love this week? [01:03:47]

3. Consider the new commandment to love others as Jesus loves us. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate this kind of love in your relationships? [01:00:43]

4. The sermon encourages us to serve others selflessly. Identify one person in your community or workplace whom you can serve this week, and plan a specific act of service for them. [57:36]

5. How can you incorporate the lessons from the sermon into your spiritual growth this year? Are there specific areas where you feel called to deepen your discipleship? [49:33]

6. Reflect on the concept of being a servant rather than a master. How does this perspective change the way you view your role in your family, church, or workplace? [59:23]

7. The sermon mentions the importance of repentance and trusting Jesus with our lives. What is one area of your life where you need to turn away from sin and trust God more fully? [01:18:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Humility Through Service
In John 13, Jesus demonstrates profound humility by washing His disciples' feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. This act is not just about physical cleanliness but symbolizes spiritual cleansing and humility. Jesus, the Master, chose to serve His disciples, teaching us to serve others selflessly, even those who may not deserve it. This act challenges us to reflect Jesus' love and humility in our own lives, serving others without seeking recognition or reward. [50:39]

John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."

Reflection: Who in your life can you serve today in a way that reflects Jesus' humility and love? How can you do this without expecting anything in return?


Day 2: Release Pride and Accept Cleansing
Peter's initial refusal to let Jesus wash his feet highlights our human pride and reluctance to accept help. Jesus' response to Peter is a reminder that we cannot cleanse ourselves; we need Jesus to do it for us. This is a call to let go of our pride and allow Jesus to cleanse us, both spiritually and in our daily lives. By acknowledging our need for Jesus, we open ourselves to His transformative power and grace. [52:38]

James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where pride is preventing you from accepting Jesus' help? How can you humble yourself today to allow His cleansing?


Day 3: Love as Jesus Loved
Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved us is a call to action. Our love for others is a testament to our discipleship and reflects Jesus' love for us. This love is not just for those who are easy to love but extends to everyone, including those who have wronged us. By loving others as Jesus loves us, we demonstrate the transformative power of His love in our lives. [01:00:43]

1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."

Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you show them love today in a way that reflects Jesus' love for you?


Day 4: Serve Even Those Who Betray You
Jesus washed Judas' feet, knowing he would betray Him. This teaches us to serve and love even those who have wronged us, demonstrating God's unconditional love. Serving those who have hurt us is a powerful testament to the love and grace of Jesus. It challenges us to rise above our grievances and reflect the love of Christ in all our interactions. [01:03:47]

Romans 12:20-21 (ESV): "To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Reflection: Is there someone who has wronged you that you can serve today? What practical step can you take to show them love and grace?


Day 5: Trust and Repent
Trusting Jesus with our lives involves repentance and turning away from sin. It's about laying our pride and past at His feet and trusting Him with our future. This trust is not passive but requires active repentance and a commitment to follow Jesus' teachings. By trusting Jesus, we allow Him to guide us and transform our lives according to His will. [01:18:54]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: What is one sin or burden you need to lay at Jesus' feet today? How can you actively trust Him with your future by repenting and turning away from this sin?

Quotes



Jesus says, if I'm willing to wash someone's feet, then you should be also. And he gives them the example of what it looks like to be somebody who's a servant of everybody. You see, the language that he uses about what his disciples are like, he says that you guys are servants and you are messengers. [00:58:04] (23 seconds)


So, I think this is where we should end today. Two things. One, if you are someone who has never had Jesus clean you, make no mistake, you need it. I need it. We all need the cleansing power of Jesus that he accomplished on the cross for us. [01:05:11] (28 seconds)


And if you've never trusted him, I invite you today to do that. To say, Jesus, you can wash me. You can wash my feet. And I'm not too proud to take your help. You see, part of entering into the kingdom of God to follow Jesus means letting go of your pride. [01:05:39] (23 seconds)


And a lot of us hold on to our pride, and it's keeping us from following Jesus. And we need to let it go, because Jesus is the opposite of pride. He's humble. And the step into following him is ultimately saying, I need help. I'm not the savior of the world. I need it. I need Jesus. [01:06:24] (25 seconds)


But for those who are Christians in the room, that Jesus says that you're to be known, that you're a follower of Jesus by the way that you love, I have a homework assignment for you. To not leave this message here, but to be somebody who says, I want to love like Jesus. That's what I want to do. [01:07:25] (18 seconds)


Maybe it's a stranger or a neighbor or somebody you work with God wants you to serve them in some radical way this week I don't really even need to like dress this up because I know the minute I said there's somebody that you need to serve that you already knew what it was now whether you're not you're gonna do it is another thing but the spirit of God will tell you who you're supposed to love this week and serve and humble yourself before maybe it's even a Judas. [01:08:43] (41 seconds)


And repentance is also choosing to trust Christ with your life. Saying, God, I'm going to trust you with everything that I have in my life. I'm going to trust you with everything that I have in my life. my family my friends my kids my future my job all of it i'm laying it at your feet and that's what god wants from you he wants you to trust him with your life and with your story. [01:19:09] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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