Two For One!

[Editor's Note: An embarrassment of riches this week for our CD audience: we have more CDs than days in the week!  Please note (and read) both Jessica's AND Bella's CDs today!]

Radical Service

Jessica Waldstein

I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.” John 13:15 MSG

During my teenage years my church held a foot washing at the end of a service, and I’ll never forget the experience. The pastor and his wife washed the feet of the adults present, and the youth pastor and his wife washed the feet of the students. An adult–my teacher, and someone in authority over me whom I loved and respected–knelt before my 14 year old self to wash and dry my feet. It was awkward and overwhelming. It induced tears and a strong sense of unworthiness. The natural hierarchy of life made the situation almost unbearable; it felt wrong somehow for my youth pastor’s wife to be washing my feet. A high level of discomfort was reached, but what powerful images of service and humility were forever seared into my memory!

I can imagine the disciples experienced similar feelings in John 13, but Peter is the only one recorded as saying as much: “Master, you wash my feet? ... You’re not going to wash my feet—ever!” (v6,8)

Jesus told them even though they didn’t understand what he was doing then, it would all become clear later (v7). We have the gift of hindsight: Jesus was propelled to serve because he knew that his time on earth was coming to a close, and he served because He had great love for those he was with. Up until the end he set an example of service for them: their teacher and friend, someone they loved and respected, humbled himself to wash the feet of his friends.

Jesus further explained it to them like this: I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.” (v15) As followers of Jesus does this mean we should be literally washing the feet of those around us? Not necessarily, though the practice has merit. Jesus modeled servanthood his entire life, but by washing the feet of his disciples he offered them a poignant, tangible example of the way we should serve one another…and in turn foreshadowed the ultimate act of service–the Cross.

The pattern Jesus laid down for us is one of radical service, and when we follow that example we meet Him there. A commentary I read this week said this: “A believer with the same perspective as Jesus looks upon service as a great opportunity to represent the Lord.” Do you share the same perspective on service as Jesus? Take a minute to ask Him to help you make that shift, then keep your eyes open for opportunities to serve!

To Greatness and Beyond!

Bella Segnere 

 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. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (John 13:14-16 ESV)

The world’s most popular toy space-ranger, Buzz Lightyear, once said, “To infinity and beyond!” At first, it is hard to comprehend what he is saying here. Infinity is never ending, so one may wonder how there is anything beyond infinity. However, the first time he says his now-popular phrase, he is getting ready to fly. He is emphasizing just how far up he can fly, and just how great his flying-skills are. 

Buzz Lightyear says, “To infinity and beyond!” However, Jesus’ motto in this passage is, “To greatness (through lowliness) and beyond!”

If you read about Jesus’ life and his miracles, it may seem like we have no hope for being “great.” We may think that it will be too hard to follow in his footsteps, and therefore we shouldn’t even try. However, this passage reminds us that we can be great and do great things, even if they aren’t huge things. 

Through washing the disciple’s feet, Jesus shows just how great two seemingly small things are: humility and serving your community. He tells us that we can (and should) follow his footsteps in acts of humility and servanthood, and that that is the pathway to true greatness.

Jesus also reminds us that the things the world sees as “great” are not the greatest things in his eyes. Some may say that they are too important to serve their community, and some may say that their work is already serving the community. And while this may be true for some, if the success is only for personal gain, one might need a reminder of humility. Jesus, the most important “leader” of all time, humbly served his disciples by washing their feet, and through this reminds us that even leaders have to be “servants” (or humble) to be great. 

Even though we all may not be great at a sport, playing an instrument, or flying like Buzz Lightyear, we can be a great servant for our Lord. We can do this by spending time with Him, or serving others in our community through Him, as He instructs us to do. As we head into our next series, think about how you can make a shift into the greatness the Lord has for you!

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