
The Motivation to Serve
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things into His hands and that he had
come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off
his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured
water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the
towel that was wrapped around him. —John 13:3-5
The Power to Serve
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash
you, you have no part with me.”
—John 13:8He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that,
having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of
eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things,
so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to
doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
—Titus 3:5-8
What are we cleansed of? What is the rebirth or renewal?
- Jesus is washing away our pride, our self-indulgence,
- We have this SIN that is just ugly and selfish and lovers of pleasure
rather than lovers of God – WASH it away!!!
The Will to Serve
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to
his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I,
your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one
another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for
you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a
messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these
things, you will be blessed if you do them. —John 13:12-1745 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his
life as a ransom for many.” —Mark 10:4514 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead
to death, so that we may serve the living God! —Hebrews 9:14