12/26/2014

The Gift of Service

John 13:12-17 “12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. 13‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’”(NASB)

On his last night on earth, at the last meal he would ever eat, during the last “normal” moments he would ever spend with his disciples, Jesus made a point of teaching his disciples the importance of blessing others. Taking that which was considered menial and demeaning, Jesus transformed it into something divine.

In verse 17, Jesus says that his disciples will be blessed if they do these things. So many people see that and misinterpret it. Jesus wasn’t giving his disciples a lesson in financial gain. He was instead giving them a formula for spiritual health.

When we take on the role of a servant and begin to put the needs of others above our own needs, something fundamentally changes within us. Our focus begins to shift, and the Holy Spirit begins to work. If you want to see renewal and revival in your life and in your family, learn to humble yourself and to bless others.