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John shows another picture of the Jesus we?re to worship. In this picture we see Jesus kneeling before his disciples to wash their feet (John 13:5).{{more: continue …}}?This doesn?t sound right, especially when Jesus is the object of our praise. Peter didn’t like it either, until Jesus said, ?If I do not wash you, you have no share with me? (John 13:8). But Jesus is a servant. He came to earth not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as the rescue for sinners (Mark 10:45).?
As a servant, Jesus says of his disciples, to his disciples, ?If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another?s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you? (John 13:14?15). The posture of servant should characterize Jesus?s disciples on all fronts. Being a servant like Jesus has a particular focus on disciples serving disciples. ?Let us do good to everyone,? Paul said, ?and especially to those who are of the household of faith? (Galatians 6:10). It’s a family thing.
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?Jesus?s disciples are on a mission to tell his good news.? In this sharing the good news with one another, Jesus takes us in giving ?a new commandment,? just after he washed the Twelve?s feet: ?A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another? (John 13:34). In fact, it is this love that disciples have for one another that identifies us as disciples of Jesus to a watching world (John 13:35), and even assures us of saving faith (1 John 3:14).
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To be a disciple of Jesus means to serve like him. It means to serve, looking at your brothers and sisters and doing whatever it takes in acts of love, even when it?s an inconvenience to yourself, even when it turns upside down the world?s social order and expectations. Making disciples of Jesus Christ means making servants who love one another.
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Being as Servant means:
- An Attitude of Service – My purpose on earth is to serve God. Change your attitude from me to God.
- Determination to Serve – Determination to help. What I’m I willing to sacrifice.
- A Commitment to following God – Every successful servant follows God. They do what God says:
- through trust – realizing God is in charge.
- through obedience – obeying God’s Word
- through risk – walk in faith. “we walk by faith, not by sight”Serving where you are – The right time is now. The right place is where you are. You meet the needs around you.
Next week we’ll look at what it means to be a witness as a Disciple of Jesus Christ.”
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“I don’t know how, but I know WHO!”
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See you on Sunday!?Peace,Pastor Nelda?Kennedale First United Methodist Church is located at 229 W 4th St, Kennedale, TX 76060 Find out more @ The Mission Store and @ First United Methodist Church Facebook?
