Embracing Servant Leadership: Lessons from Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into John 13, focusing on the spiritual discipline of serving, exemplified by Jesus washing His disciples' feet. This act of humility and service is a powerful lesson in servant leadership, reminding us that true leadership in the Christian faith is rooted in serving others. Jesus planned this moment intentionally, choosing to wash the disciples' feet during the meal, which was unconventional and highlighted the significance of His actions. He gathered the necessary tools and washed all the disciples' feet, including Judas, who would betray Him. This teaches us that serving with significance requires intentional planning and preparation.
Moreover, serving is often messy, just like foot washing. It involves humility, getting dirty, and sometimes dealing with unpleasant situations. Yet, it is necessary for the health and growth of both the server and the served. Jesus embraced this messiness, and so should we. He also explained the purpose behind His actions, making it clear that His service was an example for us to follow. When we serve others, we have the opportunity to explain our "why," sharing that we serve because God in Christ has served us.
Finally, we are never more like Jesus than when we serve others in His name. Jesus' life was a testament to sacrificial service, and we are called to emulate that. Whether it's through organized church activities or spontaneous acts of kindness, serving others is a tangible expression of our faith and a powerful witness to the world. As we go about our lives, let's develop a plan to serve, embrace the mess, explain our purpose, and strive to be like Jesus in all that we do.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intentional Planning for Service: Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet was not spontaneous; it was a well-thought-out plan. He chose the right moment, gathered the necessary tools, and included everyone, even Judas. This teaches us that serving with significance requires intentional planning and preparation. We must be deliberate in our efforts to serve others, ensuring that our actions are meaningful and impactful. [07:00]
2. Embracing the Messiness of Ministry: Serving others, like washing feet, can be messy, dirty, and unpleasant. Ministry often involves dealing with difficult and uncomfortable situations. However, just as Jesus embraced the mess, we too must be willing to get our hands dirty. This messiness is a crucial part of serving with significance and reflects the humility and love of Christ. [12:20]
3. Explaining the Purpose of Our Service: Jesus took the time to explain the purpose behind His actions, making it clear that His service was an example for us to follow. When we serve others, we have the opportunity to share our "why." We serve because God in Christ has served us. This explanation not only clarifies our motives but also serves as a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. [18:14]
4. Sacrificial Service Reflects Christ: We are never more like Jesus than when we serve others sacrificially. Jesus' life was a testament to sacrificial service, and we are called to emulate that. Serving others, especially those who cannot repay us, is a tangible expression of our faith and a powerful witness to the world. It reflects the heart of the gospel and the love of Christ. [25:06]
5. Developing a Plan to Serve: Just as Jesus developed a plan to serve His disciples, we too must be intentional about our service. This involves recognizing our gifts and passions, seeking opportunities to serve, and being willing to step out of our comfort zones. By developing a plan, we ensure that our service is not haphazard but purposeful and impactful. [33:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:34] - Introduction to the Series
[02:55] - The Story of Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet
[04:24] - The Importance of Servant Leadership
[05:48] - Developing a Plan to Serve
[07:00] - Evidence of Jesus' Intentional Planning
[08:27] - Utilizing Necessary Tools for Service
[09:49] - Embracing the Messiness of Ministry
[12:20] - The Humility and Dirtiness of Foot Washing
[14:03] - The Necessity of Messy Ministry
[16:56] - Jesus Explains the Purpose of His Actions
[18:14] - The Dialogue Between Jesus and Peter
[19:37] - Explaining the Purpose of Our Service
[20:55] - The Power of the Gospel in Service
[22:22] - Personal Story: The Kellings' Sacrificial Service
[25:06] - Be Like Jesus in Serving
[26:43] - Johnny and Friends: A Ministry of Service
[29:09] - The Impact of Serving Others
[32:13] - The Gospel and Serving Others
[33:31] - Practical Steps to Serve
[34:51] - Invitation to Respond
[36:37] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[39:11] - Final Remarks and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 13:1-17 (ESV)
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did Jesus take to prepare for washing the disciples' feet? (John 13:4-5)
2. How did Jesus respond to Peter's initial refusal to have his feet washed? (John 13:8-9)
3. What explanation did Jesus give for washing the disciples' feet? (John 13:12-15)
4. According to the sermon, what are the three evidences of Jesus' intentional planning for this act of service? [07:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus chose to wash the disciples' feet during the meal rather than before it? How does this timing enhance the lesson He was teaching? [07:00]
2. How does the act of washing feet symbolize the messiness and humility required in ministry? What does this teach us about the nature of true service? [12:20]
3. In what ways does explaining the purpose behind our service act as a powerful testimony of God's love and grace? [18:14]
4. How does sacrificial service reflect the heart of the gospel and the love of Christ? Why is it important to serve those who cannot repay us? [25:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus developed a plan to serve His disciples. What steps can you take to intentionally plan your acts of service this week? [07:00]
2. Serving others can be messy and uncomfortable. Can you think of a recent situation where you avoided serving because it seemed too difficult or unpleasant? How can you embrace the messiness of ministry in the future? [12:20]
3. Jesus explained the purpose behind His actions to His disciples. How can you share the "why" behind your service with others? Think of a specific instance where you can explain your motives for serving. [18:14]
4. Reflect on a time when you served someone sacrificially. How did it make you feel, and what impact did it have on the person you served? How can you seek out more opportunities for sacrificial service? [25:06]
5. Identify one area in your church or community where you can serve that aligns with your gifts and passions. What steps will you take to get involved in that area? [33:31]
6. Think of a person in your life who might be struggling or in need of help. How can you serve them in a way that reflects the love and humility of Jesus? [15:35]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to develop a plan for serving and to embrace the messiness of ministry? What practical steps can you take together to serve your community? [33:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Planning for Service
Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet was not spontaneous; it was a well-thought-out plan. He chose the right moment, gathered the necessary tools, and included everyone, even Judas. This teaches us that serving with significance requires intentional planning and preparation. We must be deliberate in our efforts to serve others, ensuring that our actions are meaningful and impactful. [07:00]
Luke 14:28-30 (ESV): "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’"
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can serve someone this week. What steps can you take today to plan and prepare for this act of service?
Day 2: Embracing the Messiness of Ministry
Serving others, like washing feet, can be messy, dirty, and unpleasant. Ministry often involves dealing with difficult and uncomfortable situations. However, just as Jesus embraced the mess, we too must be willing to get our hands dirty. This messiness is a crucial part of serving with significance and reflects the humility and love of Christ. [12:20]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Identify a "messy" situation in your life or community where you can step in and help. How can you embrace the messiness and serve with humility and love?
Day 3: Explaining the Purpose of Our Service
Jesus took the time to explain the purpose behind His actions, making it clear that His service was an example for us to follow. When we serve others, we have the opportunity to share our "why." We serve because God in Christ has served us. This explanation not only clarifies our motives but also serves as a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. [18:14]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of a recent act of service you performed. How can you explain the purpose behind your service to someone who might ask? What is your "why" for serving?
Day 4: Sacrificial Service Reflects Christ
We are never more like Jesus than when we serve others sacrificially. Jesus' life was a testament to sacrificial service, and we are called to emulate that. Serving others, especially those who cannot repay us, is a tangible expression of our faith and a powerful witness to the world. It reflects the heart of the gospel and the love of Christ. [25:06]
Matthew 25:40 (ESV): "And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who cannot repay you. What is one sacrificial act of service you can do for them this week?
Day 5: Developing a Plan to Serve
Just as Jesus developed a plan to serve His disciples, we too must be intentional about our service. This involves recognizing our gifts and passions, seeking opportunities to serve, and being willing to step out of our comfort zones. By developing a plan, we ensure that our service is not haphazard but purposeful and impactful. [33:31]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Reflect on your gifts and passions. How can you develop a plan to use them in serving others? What specific steps will you take to put this plan into action?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you haven't figured it out by now, ministry is messy. Amen. It's messy. Guess what? So is foot washing. So is foot washing. Like, let me explain. Foot washing is lowly. In the first century, during the time of Jesus, this would have been a job reserved for a housed and it would have been the lowest ranking house servant in that home. It was a lowly task. And yet it's what Jesus stepped in to provide." [12:20] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You're never more like Jesus than when you're serving somebody in his name. Like you're like Jesus when you read the Bible. Cause if you read the gospel accounts of Jesus life, he read the Bible. You're like Jesus when you sing praise, because if you read the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus, he worshiped and gave God praise. You're certainly like Jesus when you tell the good news of the gospel and the reason why he came. But you're never more like Jesus than when you're serving others in his name." [25:06] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So listen, if Jesus made a plan to serve, then shouldn't we develop a plan to serve? If Jesus was willing to embrace the mess, shouldn't you and I? Roll up our sleeves and embrace the mess? If he was willing to explain the purpose, then when we get asked, wouldn't we bold enough, be bold enough to explain the reason for our why? Because you'll never know the difference that you'll make when you're like Jesus and you're serving others in his name." [26:43] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And here's what strikes me every year when we participate in this camp. And every week when I go and check on my girls and all of our special friends that are here at church, God entrusted disability ministry to Mary and me, right? Almost 16 years ago now, he made us worthy to shepherd and steward the lives of these amazing little girls. He gave that to us. I didn't have a choice, but when people volunteer to serve that don't have a child with a disability, that don't have a sibling with special needs, and they will wipe the drool off my girl's face and they will push my girls around and caring ladies who love Jesus so much will take care of my girls and make sure they get changed. I don't have a category for that." [32:13] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so if you are far from God, he sent Jesus so that you could be brought near. And so today, if you want to have a conversation with us and say, man, I think I need to start a relationship with God. I want to know what it looks like to walk and belong to Jesus. Then come forward in just a moment and talk to one of the ministers who are standing here at the front of the room and tell them you're not sure where you are in your relationship with God through Jesus Christ." [34:51] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In the Christian world, there can be a temptation in all of us to find ourselves busy with stuff. Like we're, we're doing a lot of stuff, but I would argue that doing a lot of stuff is different than serving in Christ's name in a way that is significant and actually makes a difference. And so for us to be men and women, for us to be the church that serves with significance, we ought to see the way that Jesus served his disciples in such a significant way." [05:48] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So to be a person who serves with significance, not only are we developing a plan and embracing the mess, but we must recognize it requires us to explain the purpose, explain the purpose. Did you pick up on the intentional way? Jesus explained the purpose and washing the disciples feet. This is a great, uh, a dialogue between Jesus and Peter. We love Peter because he's impetuous. He's all of us. He says what he thinks without thinking about what he says." [18:14] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so if you're going to let God use you to serve with significance, you've got to recognize that there's, there's just a messiness that's involved and we've got to be a people who embrace it. We've got, like I have a friend of mine who's an emergency room physician. We were having a conversation this week about this subject. And he said in the ER, uh, there is an unmistakable smell when you have someone come in, usually an individual, a transient individual who has not had the privilege of bathing in quite a while. He said, there's no smell like the smell of unbathed feet." [15:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so Jesus has this conversation and then he stops and he says, now, now do you guys understand what I've done? So Jesus explained his why he explained his purpose in serving and church family. Here's what I want. When you serve others, in a significant way, because God in Christ has served you, then the world is going to watch you and ask why they're going to wonder like, why, why do you care so, so much about your church?" [18:14] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so the question is, what am I supposed to do with this? Well, my first challenge to you is if Jesus developed a plan, then I think you should too. You are likely not going to stumble into some type of serving with significance. If you're walking around saying, man, I wish God would, excuse me, I would sure like to serve, man. It'd be cool to figure out where I should serve. Let me just help you with that. Serve. We need your help. The church needs your help." [32:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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