9/23/18 - The Master Servant - John 13:1-17

If I could go back in time and observe one major historical event it would be the death (followed by the resurrection) of Jesus. A close second would be the last supper he shared with his disciples. In that upper room Jesus gives his final sermon. It’s a powerful message about servanthood because it comes with a personal example. To recline at a table is to be in close proximity to others. Dinner cannot be served until feet have been washed. It’s a very humble job but someone has to do it. So Jesus takes it upon himself and does what the others will not do. It’s not Jesus’ fault their feet are dirty. Most people would say, “You take care of it! Be responsible for your own dirt!” However, Jesus says, “I will take care of it for you.” This is a foretaste of what he will do in just a few short hours but on a much grander scale. “I did not come to be served but to serve and give my life a ransom for many.” When finished washing the disciple's feet, Jesus delivers the punch line… If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. One tiny word makes all the difference – If. If Jesus is your Lord then he’s calling you to radical service. The world doesn’t owe us anything brothers and sisters. We’ve already been given everything in eternal terms. So let’s live and serve in light of that reality!