Deep Dive 13

Service. Not the most fun word out there. It usually means work, so why do it? Why volunteer to serve others? Well, there is precedent for it - Jesus did it. In today's reading, we are going to look at the example Jesus set for us by serving others.

In this passage, two levels of service are demonstrated:
1. Jesus engages in the ministry he loves, that he was created for - teaching and preaching to others. (This is found in the chapters surrounding John 13, so it doesn't say this exactly. In fact, it doesn't say it anywhere in John 13, because he and those on his ministry team [a.k.a. disciples] are taking a break from ministry to relax and eat together.)
2. Jesus serves the people he is working with. Its finally time for a break, and Jesus chooses to serve his team during his downtime.

Look for ways to serve God using your greatest passions. If you could create your ideal ministry in the church, what would you want to do? Would you sing on a worship team? Maybe paint a picture during the sermon? Help teach kids? Whatever you do, try to do it with a group. This group that you serve with could become your closest friends, as you serve God together. If you are already serving in church, what are some ways you can invest in those you serve alongside?

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:1-17 KJV)