The Art Of Neighboring: Week TwoSample

On the night before he was handed over to be killed, Jesus showed his disciples how he wanted them to love each other in his absence. He poured water into a shallow dish, wrapped a towel around himself, got down on his knees and washed their feet. John, who had his feet washed along with the others, recorded this event to illustrate that Jesus loved his own “to the end.” Ever since, Jesus’s followers have been trying to follow his example of servant love, however imperfectly.

To wash someone else’s feet is to get down not just to that person’s level, but below it. It means to be bowed, bent over a not particularly pleasant task. We can’t wash everyone’s feet, but we know that as Jesus’s followers, we’re commanded to love in a way that requires giving up our comfort, our pride of place. But how can we love? What does love look like in practical, every day terms—especially love for a neighbor who we don’t know that well?

Over the next seven days, we’ll look at passages of Scripture that teach us more about how to love.

Pray

Lord Christ, give me understanding and a heart ready to receive your truth. Teach me to be your faithful disciple.

Read

Martha has one idea about how to love Jesus, while her sister Mary has another. Jesus calls Martha to a deeper understanding of what it means to serve him.

Luke 10:38-42

Reflect

One way of interpreting Jesus’s words here alludes to a famous psalm, in which the psalmist declares that the LORD is his “chosen portion” (Psalm 16:5 ESV). Here, Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen “the good portion” (Verse 42 ESV)—the one necessary thing. Close fellowship with Jesus is our first priority. We can’t begin to love others really well unless we are experiencing the love of Christ.

Respond

Does your relationship with Jesus Christ satisfy you? Why or why not? Ask the Lord to draw you into closer fellowship with him. Watch for what he will do.

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