| Good Morning Everyone, Our theme for this month: “You have been set free” Our Bible verse for today: “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (CSB) Our thought for today: “You have been set free to serve” In John chapter thirteen we find Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper. It was the night before He would be crucified and they were celebrating the Passover meal. In those days everyone wore open sandals. Foot coverings like socks didn’t exist. The roads were dirt and often muddy, and the streets were filled with animal dung and urine. So, feet got pretty dirty – to the point of being disgusting. Therefore, it was customary that when people entered a home (their own or especially as a guest in someone else’s), there would be a basin of water and towels so the feet could be washed. The lowest servant would be assigned the task of washing the feet of everyone entering. However, at this Passover feast, no feet had been washed. Everyone was reclining at this low table with their filthy feet splayed out behind them or to the side, and probably in close proximity to other guests. No provision had been made for the washing of dirty feet and, no one was making any effort to address the issue. Remember, washing dirty feet was the job of the lowest servant, and none of the disciples wanted to place themselves in a position of a lowly foot-washing servant. So, Jesus did it. Jesus got up, got a basin of water and a towel, then went around the room and washed the feet of every person. When He was done, He said the words recorded in John 13:15 “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.” He was teaching a lesson. The reason the disciples didn’t want to be the one to wash feet is because they thought it would lower them in the eyes of everyone else. But Jesus taught and modeled that the greatest in the kingdom of God is the one who has learned to serve others. At least once before He had taught them that same lesson. In Luke 22:23 He said, “The greatest among you will be the servant of all.” Jesus has set us free from pride, and from the selfishness and self-centeredness that comes from pride. He has freed us to humbly and joyfully put others first and to serve their needs. How can we do this without worrying about our own needs and without feeling as if we have been neglected while others were esteemed and served? God has that covered for us and we’ll address it tomorrow. For now, just know that Jesus has set you free from pride and selfishness so you can serve others in His name. I encourage you to follow His example and be intentional about serving others today. God Bless, Pastor Jim |
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