Monday August 17, 2015

Coming Up Sonday August 23,2015 

Philippians 1:1-2. Servants & Saints. How We See Ourselves.

Read John 13:1-17

It may be a hard and confronting question, but if you knew you were about to die what would you do?

Many movies have been built upon the plot of the world ending and the stars having to choose what they do in their final moments before they save the planet. I suspect that most of us would be with family and close friends, enjoying precious moments together.

Jesus knew He was about to die and He chose to be with those whom He loved and even with someone (Judas) who didn’t love Him. But rather than share precious memories together Jesus chose to do the work of a menial servant. In fact, He chose to serve the disciples in a way that was often reserved for the lowest of low, the non-Jewish slaves and servants.

Jesus rose from the table, wrapped a towel around Himself and kneeled. He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with a towel.

But Simon Peter objected, “No! You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus retorted, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

Jesus’ words were as startling as they were revealing. Unless we are washed by Jesus we can have no part with Him. We cannot come to Jesus on our own merits, performances or good works. The only way we can be a part of Jesus is to be washed by Him.

In fact to let another serve us is perhaps more humbling than actually serving. To let another, especially one we love and esteem, to lower him or herself to the level of washing our feet is bordering on humiliating. But Jesus humbly knelt and washed and dried the disciples’ feet.

After all the disciples were washed, including Judas Iscariot who would soon betray Jesus for a mere 30 pieces of silver, Jesus explained the implications of His actions.

John 13:14–17

14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Prayer:

Using today’s Bible passage and notes write down points for

Adoration:

Confession

Thanks

Supplication:

· Pray for the Committee of Management as it meets tonight. Pray that the Lord would bless each person on the Committee with wisdom, with insight and with a deep gospel centred heart that yearns to grow the Kingdom.

· Ask the Lord to make your congregation an exceedingly generous congregation so that the Kingdom of God can be advanced powerfully throughout the world.

 Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Why do you think Jesus washed the disciples’ feet?

2. Is it relevant that He washed their feet and not, say, their hands or heads?

3. What have you learnt from this episode in Jesus’ life?

4. How can you put that learning into practice today and this coming Sonday?