John 13 & 14
EMPOWERED TO SERVE…this is the heart of the True Christian Life. In a world of “getting” the message of Jesus slams straight into the culture of our age. In these passages from John’s Gospel Jesus comes to the main story of his life and chapter 13:3-5 captures it…3Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. 4So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples’ feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing…
Jesus, in His divinity with the power that comes from God, bends down and washes His disciples feet. There it is…service! The laying down of power, position and presence to love. Any of us who claim to follow Jesus are called to this same way – knowing that our identity is in the grace and love of God, empowered as God’s people, we pick up the ‘bowls and towels’ of service to all. Importantly we don’t and in fact can’t do this by ourselves – we actually need Jesus’ presence and power to do this. Which is why in chapter 14 Jesus goes on to talk about the work and presence of the Holy Spirit. [Chapter 14:26 The Father sends the Spirit to take the place of Jesus] The Holy Spirit is our teacher, guide, comforter and counsellor. The way of Christ is the way of service which is the way of the Spirit. [Prayer - LORD give me your Spirit that I may follow you that the world may know of your great love. May I be a giver and not a getter...a server and not a consumer. AMEN]
