Showing Up: Loving Others Like Jesus DoesSample

GOD SERVES (Jesus washes his disciples' feet)

The shocked disciples watched as Jesus humbled himself, took off his robe, kneeled, poured water into a basin, and began washing their dusty feet. They didn't understand what he was doing now, or what he was going to do in the coming hours.

This man who they’d watched perform miracles would allow himself to be captured by Roman soldiers, be falsely accused, and walk the hill of Golgotha carrying his own cross.

He allowed himself to be emptied and humbled himself by giving his life.

We may not fully understand what Jesus is doing right now or is going to do in the coming hours, days, weeks, or months. In the Bible, we can see more of the plan. The Jesus Storybook Bible puts it this way: “This is how God will rescue the whole world. My life will break, and God’s broken world will mend." (1)

As Jesus served his disciples by washing their feet, he also showed them how to serve each other. He promised, “If you know these things, you’ll be happy if you do them.” When Jesus fulfilled the plan by dying on the cross, he revealed his glory through humility.

During this week, your friends have had the chance to hear about the miraculous, confounding way Jesus chose to mend the whole world. Jesus could make himself vulnerable because he knew where he came from, and who he belonged to. Let’s pray our friends will know that same life-giving love.

Look to Jesus, the crucified, Servant King who made himself vulnerable even to death so we could join his family. Stand in awe of him in all of his humility and see yourself as part of his “plan”.

REFLECTION

How would you feel about Jesus washing your feet?

What has Jesus taught you about humility and vulnerability this week?

Thank the Lord for his sacrifice. Pray that your friends would know him.

(1) Lloyd-Jones, Sally. The Jesus Storybook Bible. Zonderkids. Grand Rapids, MI. (2007)