Path Of Servanthood

The path of Servanthood

John 13:1-09

Introduction

This morning I want to talk to you about servanthood. About serving others.

After about 30 of us have given 5 nights to VBS, they are probably sitting here saying I cannot give anymore time , I am exhausted.

I understand all of us have busy lives. I understand the responsibilities of life. I have a few of my own.

I am not asking , and I am for sure not begging for people who are doing to do more.

I am not even addressing those who enjoy the ministries of the church to be on a guilt trip for not helping.

What does God’s Word say about Serving?

What is Servanthood? What does God say about our responsibility to the Kingdom?

Can you be a bystander when it comes to caring for your brothers and sisters and the church you call home?

John 13:1-9 read

Jesus had just about completed the journey to the cross.

Judas had already sold Him out and they would soon take Jesus.

Jesus after the meal, the last supper, prepares to wash the disciples feet. You know the story. Peter objects that his Lord would wash his feet. Jesus says that you don’t get it, but if you don’t let me, you have no part of me.

Going from No Lord not I, to not just my hands and feet, but my head as well.

Jesus gave the leaders one more example of what He expects from those that claim the name of Christ.

Jesus lets us know that if you are to live a life for the Lord, our selfish lifestyle must be replaced with a lifestyle of serving.

When I say servant, what do you think of? Maid. Butler. Someone of lower standard to you.

Mary Popins, Mr. Belvedere, Hop sing, shoe shine man at the airport. Do you get spiritual and think of Mother Treasa.

Someone you control because you hold there security because you hold their paycheck.

You don’t think of movie stars, presidents, high CEO’s, because we have raised them above the class of servant. They have servants, they are not servants.

Jesus turned the whole idea of being a servant upside down. He did because it was not based on position, wealth, or popularity.

Just like Jesus to mess up a good thing So they thought.

The Son of God, the one that made the universe,

The one who was going to redeem the world says “Not my will, but my Father’s will be done”

“ The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve”. Mark 10:45.

The job often done by a slave.

Jesus put a towel around his neck and took that humble role as a servant.

Kind of different than James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who wanted to sit on the right and left of Jesus in heaven. Wanted to be exalted for all to see that they had special favor with God.

Jesus gave us a challenge. He shows us by example that when we have a servants heart:

We serve by humbling ourselves.

We serve by leading others.

We serve by loving God, and by loving others.

The world is focused of taking, Jesus says that you have to be focused on giving.

Jesus shows the more you understand His Word, you will be serving others.

The world says the higher up the ladder you go, the more arrogant and selfish you get. Evidenced by their attitude.

Last week we talked about the heart. The Bible says that it is deceitful, its wicked, its selfish.

Jesus says that once there is transformation.

A change of heart when you come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, you should be different. You are not a robot, but your allegiance is changed.

“Don’t conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.”

You don’t think the same.

You get joy from helping someone.

The world reaction is , I have worked hard to get where I am at, everyone needs to take advantage of breaks they get in life. I’ve clawed my way to the top of the ladder, nobody gave me anything. I have the scars to prove it.

Peter took a different approach. No way Jesus, you won’t wash my feet. Jesus said if you don’t, you have no part of me. Peter missed the example of Jesus. If I , Jesus, your savior, the Son of God can wash feet, then so should you. If I Jesus , your master, the one you call master, serve others, then so must you.

I didn’t come to be served , but to serve