Remain in Him: "Jesus Serves" (Danny Cantelmi) - John 13:1-17
Remain in Him teaching series - The "Upper Room Discourse" recorded in John 13-17 occurred in a time of intense transition for the disciples of Jesus. We look to these words today in a time of upheaval, seeking to remain in Christ as He leads us forward .
Scripture References: John 13:1-17; John 13:34-35
Intro: Continuing our "Remain in Him" series (John 13-17), we explore Jesus' words during difficult transitions. John 13 uniquely highlights Jesus washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper. This wasn't just about hygiene; it was a profound, counter-cultural act revealing essential truths about abiding in Christ, involving both receiving His service and serving others.
Key Points:
- Jesus' Humble Service (v. 1-5): Knowing His divine authority and impending departure ("hour had come"), Jesus took the role of the lowest servant. He washed the disciples' dirty feet – a task culturally reserved for slaves – demonstrating ultimate love and humility, even serving Judas, His betrayer.
- Pride Hinders Receiving (v. 6-8): Peter initially refused Jesus' service ("You shall never wash my feet!"). This stemmed from pride – viewing the act as beneath Jesus or perhaps feeling unworthy himself. Jesus corrected him sharply: receiving His cleansing service is essential for relationship ("Unless I wash you, you have no part with me").
- Pride Hinders Receiving (v. 9-11): When Peter swung to the other extreme ("Wash my hands and head too!"), it was still pride – trying to dictate the terms of grace and perhaps seeking greater status. Jesus clarified: initial cleansing is complete ("had a bath"); ongoing "foot washing" (dealing with daily defilement) is needed, received through Him.
- Receiving Precedes Giving (v. 12-15): Only after washing their feet did Jesus command them: "You also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example." We must first humbly receive God's grace, cleansing, and service before we can authentically serve others in His likeness.
- Serving from Secure Identity (v. 3-4): Jesus served not from weakness, but from strength – knowing He came from God, was returning to God, and had all authority. Likewise, our service flows best not from insecurity or obligation, but from knowing our secure identity as loved children of God, empowered by Him.
Conclusion: Abiding in Christ involves the humility to first receive His radical, cleansing service and grace, overcoming pride that resists or dictates. Then, rooted in the secure identity He gives and empowered by His love, we follow His example by humbly serving one another. This rhythm of receiving and giving is central to remaining in Him.
Call to Action: Examine your heart for pride that prevents you from fully receiving God's grace and service. Ask Him to help you humbly accept His cleansing love. Embrace your secure identity in Christ. Then, motivated by His love, look for opportunities to follow His example and humbly serve those around you.
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