Jesus’ example showed the disciples how they could live their lives in the most “blessed” possible way.

Text: John 13:12-17

I hope you're spending time as a family doing Advent readings. If not, there is still time to start. The Dawning of Indestructible Joy is available for free in our App.

Yesterday's Advent reading was timely and connected well with yesterday's sermon from John 13. Piper writes, "...giving what's good and serving the benefit of others is closer to the essence of God than getting and being served."

Understandably, it's challenging to comprehend God's character and nature. When "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1), Jesus revealed to us the character of God. And we see Jesus, wrapped in a towel, kneeling and washing His disciples' feet.

We have been called to represent God in this world. Jesus says, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (v. 15). Serving others reveals the heart of God. Serving is not natural, and serving is countercultural. "What's in it for me" is natural and is the world's way of living.

I relate with Paul Metzger when he writes, "I like being called a servant leader—until someone treats me like one." I want to serve on my terms when it's convenient for me. Ironically, I want to be in charge when I serve, and I want others to recognize me as a servant. I don't want to be treated like your servant when I serve you. I want respect. But the world would despise and reject Jesus' disciples–just like their Master. He was preparing them to be treated worse than a lowly servant. They would be suffering servants too. But knowing what was in their future did not hinder Jesus from saying, "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them" (v. 17).

Jesus' foot washing wasn't a performance but an act of love, revealing a God who is love. There is grace for those who desire to serve like Jesus but realize how often something other than love is our motivation. We enter into that grace by admitting just how much we need it. Join me in admitting we need God's grace to love and serve like Jesus.