Hilda was an aerobics instructor at the Y, known for how strict she was. We were all a little afraid of her! But Lori, a believer, has reached out to her, and now Hilda is coming to our study. A few weeks ago Hilda said, “Buddha and Allah and Jesus are all the same god.” I was so proud of the women in our group for they simply listened to her with hearing ears. (I don’t think it was because they were afraid of her, but because they wanted to see her again next week, knowing that if she keeps coming, it is likely she will discover the truth herself!)
She was back the next week and the discussion turned to the main problem we have: selfishness. We talked about how all the world religions agree that selfishness is the main problem in the world. But they disagree on the solution. Allah and Buddah tell man to overcome selfishness by his own effort. Buddha died with the words, “Keep striving.”
“And what about Jesus?” Hilda asked.
“Jesus gives us a power,” one of the women said, “that we do not have. He lived the life we could not live, showing us the way, but then also, leaving His Spirit to empower us. As we respond to His Spirit, we are transformed.”
Hilda is taking it in. Gospel transformation is so different than “striving.”
HE ILLUMINES
Here we are, at John 13, and the disciples are still arguing about who will be the greatest. Jesus takes up the towel and basin and gives them a commandment that is old, but is about to become new, for they aren’t going to just hear it, but for the next few days, they are going to see it lived out before them. I believe the Spirit opened their eyes to what He was doing, shocking them, and changing their paradigm from being the greatest to being the servant of all.
From Michael Card:
HE EMPOWERS
The commandment is also new because “the True Light” has come. It is also new because the disciples were going to have a new power when Jesus left. The Spirit, instead of coming and going, was going to live inside of them. If they resisted the Spirit, they could quench Him, but if they submitted to the Spirit, they could experience more of His power.
John elaborates on this “new commandment” in his 1st letter, and John Stott, in a quote I’ve never forgotten, puts it like this:
Our love and our hatred not only reveal whether we are in the light or the darkness,
but actually contribute toward the light or the darkness in which we already are.
WHY?
Because when we walk in the darkness, we quench His Spirit.
When we walk in the light, we welcome His Spirit with open arms.
Let’s not deceive ourselves about our love!
We must love every individual in our path,
No matter how hard,
No matter how seemingly insignificant.
No matter how sure we are that the problem is with them.
For when we walk in the light and
when we love,
we find ourselves moving into more light and more love.
Last month, at a time when tourists flee the frozen tundra of our peninsula, Christy flew out to see me.
Christy, my former administrative assistant whom I manipulated.
Though we had hoped to cross-country ski, it was simply too cold and blustery. Yet Christy still saw the beauty and said she was “so glad to be with me.” We sat by the fire and talked, watched the deer,and worked together on my video presentations for this spring.
And Christy “took up the basin and towel.” I’ve gone through printers and no one has been able to fix my problem so that I have a working printer. Christy was determined, found out it was a bug in my computer, and after many hours, had demolished the bug. Here is what amazes me. Christy is a wonderful godly servant — but my control idol blocked the light, and I thought the problem was with her. Christy hasn’t changed, except to become even more Christ-like. It is I who have changed, I who have repented, and I who was blind. Christy now is the administrative assistant for Heart to Heart, an organization that brings medical relief in disaster torn countries. She is so passionate about what she is doing. One of the core beliefs of heart to heart is that as we serve, God transforms us. So Gary Morsch, the director, is passionate about getting Christians to volunteer. He knows they will be changed as they “take up the basin and towel.”
THE MORE WE WALK IN THE LIGHT.
THE MORE WE LOVE,
THE MORE OUR HEARTS ARE MELTED,
TRANSFORMED BY A POWER THAT IS NOT OUR OWN.
SUNDAY ICEBREAKER:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. Comment on the Michael Card video/song or the painting by Ford Madox Brown of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
3. Read John 13:1-11
A. What did Jesus know and so what did He do according to verse 1?
B. What do we learn about Judas according to verse 2?
C. Describe what Jesus did and how Peter responded in verses 3-9.
4. Read John 13:12-20 and explain the main point of this living illustration.
5. How in your life might you “wash feet?”
6. Read John 13:21-30.
A. What did the disciples fear? How does this show a growing understanding into their own hearts?
B. Ponder verses 26 and 27 and show how Jesus still gives Judas a chance to repent, and what happens when he does not. How does this illustrate the John Stott quote in red above?
In the sermon you will listen to this week, Keller likens the above to playing chess with a child whom you love. You see he is about to make a bad move, and out of love, you ask, “Do you really want to make that move?”
7. Read John 13:31-35. What is the “new” commandment that is also old. What is it and why do you think it is new? (See also 1 John 2:7-11)
8. Reflect on the John Stott quote and share how you have experienced:
A. Darkness and hatred increasing as you walk in the dark.
B. Light and love increasing as you walk in light.
9. Work with the above truth today and record tomorrow you experience.
Thursday-Friday Sermon: The Lord’s Supper
http://www.gospelinlife.com/the-lord-s-supper-5234.html
10. Share your comments on the sermon.
Saturday
11. What is your take-a-way and why?
.
151 comments
I only have a minute now, but already am so moved by this week’s post. I love the reaching out to Hilda, the softening of her heart as she saw Jesus among you. As Mike Reeves said, just show them Jesus and they will fall in love with Him…beautiful.
I always learn so much from Dee’s own humility–I am convicted and encouraged. I am reminded of the beauty in humility, the laying down of ourselves so He truly shines through us–His light beams through our brokenness, and it is beautiful. He has been revealing more and more of my “holes” lately and yet I am encouraged, not to try to fill them, but to let His light shine through them.
I loved this ” as we serve, God transforms us.”
And these lyrics from the Michael Card song are so powerful:
In any ordinary place, On any ordinary day, The parable can live again, When one will kneel and one will yield,
Our Saviour Servant must show us how, Through the will of the water, And the tenderness of the towel,
The space between ourselves sometimes, Is more than the distance between the stars, By the fragile bridge of the Servant’s bow, We take up the basin and the towel
I love how you breathe in lyrics.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? “We must love every individual in our path, no matter how hard, no matter how seemingly insignificant. No matter how sure we are that the problem is with them.”
There is a guy that I have worked with for years who annoys me no end. I would love nothing more than to list all of his poor work and social habits so that you all could agree with me about how unbearable he is, but I won’t.
I have taken a “you can’t like everyone” approach with him and have as little interaction with him as I can manage. I used to complain about him or joined in the conversation when others were complaining. I stopped doing that and thought that was enough, but lately I have felt the Holy Spirit leading me to pray for him and ask that He will give me a love for him that I cannot manufacture on my own. So the above quote is just reaffirming what I already know is true, but have been fighting against it because I really don’t want to be bothered.
Love this so much!
love your honesty Dawn. You have a way of bringing the lesson right into my “real world” in a way that convicts. I love how you are praying for your co-worker, so good–great model for me
This is a golden post, Dawn. What a moving of God’s love in your heart and in your actions.
Dawn, I agree with the others; your post is powerful, and beautiful…the way He is moving in your heart to change the way you see your co-worker. And this is so different from what we (I) normally want to do – complain to others and get them to agree with us just how insufferable the person is.
1. What stood out?
The beauty of healing and forgiveness in Dee and Christy’s relationship. Speaks hope to me about some broken relationships (two in particular).
2. The painting of the foot-washing ~ That no one is speaking. I wonder if there were silent tears as the humility of it all, washed over them.
I think that painting is amazing too!
What stood out to you from the above and why?
The words “We must love every individual in our path, No matter how hard, No matter how seemingly insignificant. No matter how sure we are that the problem is with them. For when we walk in the light and when we love” was like God speaking directly to me. Like Dawn I have a co-worker that I have a hard time getting along with. She does not like me and showing love to her is difficult. I have thought that just trying to get along with her at work may be okay, but the words were a reminder that the Lord is asking me, not to just try to get along with her, but to love this person anyway. I can only ask that the Lord soften my heart as this is something difficult for me to do.
I also really like the heart picture, it is like the pure love is in the centre and the layers around the purity get progressively darker. I must continually let the Lord remove the outer layers in order for the pure light to shine through.
Comment on the Michael Card video/song or the painting by Ford Madox Brown of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.
The painting is interesting. I see one guy appears to be horrified at what Jesus is doing. Another guy seems to be thinking of an appropriate response, one looks worried, yet another is hanging onto his friend for comfort, trying to decide what was going on. One guy is already undoing his sandals for his turn, but I think the guy whose feet Jesus is washing appears to be humbled by the experience, his head is down his hands are clasped. But one thing they have in common, they are all watching.
I don’t mean to take a different turn with the lesson, but something here just struck me I wanted to share. One of those times when I’ve been hearing the same “thread” from a number of places lately. God is revealing to me the ways the I still seek to be self-sufficient. Last week, something was said that hurt my feelings, though I knew it wasn’t meant to. But I talked with the person about it, and basically their response was that I didn’t appear to “need”. I have had numerous friends over the years tell me the same thing. At my core, I know there is a voice I learned in childhood, that it is better to not need, and definitely don’t appear “needy”. I have a fear, an “epi-fear’! of being a burden, to anyone. Something in the sermon today–referring to the Beatitudes as a description of Christ, and I thought–oh how hard I try to NOT be “poor”, and how against Gospel truth that is. He came to heal the sick. So back to here, Dee’s lesson–and I know that in order for Jesus to wash my feet, which I so desperately want and need Him to do–I have to admit my feet are dirty. I have to let Him cleanse me. I can’t be self-sufficient here. He says to come to Him like a child. My children have never turned away from my washing their hands (or feet!) when needed. To fully receive, I have to be fully needy. Lord, I pray You will teach me how to live this.
I thought of this verse as I read your comment Elizabeth:
John 13:14 “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”
I have been realizing I need to repent of perfectionism, or more specifically my unwillingness to be completely real with my husband. My fear for rejection makes me artificial.
I was so nervous to confess this to him. When I did it was such an easy conversation, I felt such a release…pure grace!
I don’t want to show anyone my dirty feet, I don’t want to need them. I want to give but not receive. I think I have realized that I deny something important to my brothers and sisters when I won’t allow them to wash my feet.
oh Chris–thank you for this “I have realized that I deny something important to my brothers and sisters when I won’t allow them to wash my feet.” YES. That is it. I have lived my life wanting to be the behind the scenes helper who isn’t a burden, doesn’t cause waves, not too much attention…thinking there is some humility in it-? Yet there is also a self-sufficient pride beneath. And then I remember again that He tells us to enter the Kingdom as children…and my children have no problem being “needy”! Come Ye sinners, poor and needy…love you Chris. Thankful for this sweet exchange of you and Bill~
So good, Elizabeth. I find He does, in His mercy, repeat the things we need to hear — but it takes humility to hear it.
What stood out to you from the above and why?
“the main problem we have: selfishness”
“Jesus gives us a power,….As we respond to His Spirit, we are transformed.” Yes and Amen! I am praying for Hilda too.
Walking in the light, loving our enemies- multiplying the light or the darkness
2. Comment on the Michael Card video/song or the painting by Ford Madox Brown of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.
The painting made me teary. Art doesn’t usually grip me as it seems so often to do for many of you. This one though, the expressions on the faces of the disciples, especially the one holding his head in his hands, seeming incredulous at what he was seeing, the way Jesus looks, the significance of the humility he was showing them… It is altogether remarkable.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? John Stott’s comment stands out, especially because I heard the very same thought expressed this morning in my pastor’s sermon. He preached on Ephesians 5: 8-14 and vs. 8 says, “For you were once darkness. But now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” The verse doesn’t say that ‘we once walked in darkness’ but that we once WERE darkness. It is a sobering thought to know that we ARE either a part of the darkness or a part of the light.
” Our love and our hatred not only reveal whether we are in the light or the darkness,
but actually contribute toward the light or the darkness in which we already are.”
I also want to say thanks to Susan for your words of support at the end of last week’s lesson. I haven’t been on the blog since Thursday, I think, so wanted to comment here instead of on last week’s page. The week was so intense with the suicide of a young man from our church: a weekend of raw grief and also raw and honest sharing and bearing with the grieving family and with each other. Thanks to so many who supported me and my daughter (whose grief was heavy) during this time. I have seen her faith rooted so deeply as she has been ministering to her friend whose brother died. This immense sorrow has been a time that has deepened her walk with Him. Keller’s message about Jesus’ weeping at Lazarus’ tomb and the meaning of ‘Immanuel’ that is so clearly evident there, has come back to my heart so many times this week. God’s timing and the immense relevance of His WORD to our wounded hearts are treasures beyond compare.
Such grief when one so young takes his life. So sorry, Wanda.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Lots of things stood out to me. In particular, Dee and Christy’s friendship. Christy is a really good friend if she went headlong toward a cold, blustery location, when she could have gone south where it was warmer. I think this winter has been difficult on almost everyone, and it takes love to make you go somewhere where it might be colder. It is also a great friendship when both parties are content to watch deer and sit by the fireside and just enjoy the simple pleasure of one another’s company. Then on top of it Christy ended up with a working holiday, as she repaired Dee’s computer/printer. What a relief that must have been for Dee. When anything in my computer complex is malfunctioning, it gets me down emotionally; and when it gets fixed I feel like I am simply soaring!!
Actually I think this week’s topic is such an important one — it certainly speaks to me. The revelation of Jesus as a Servant-Messiah elicits a lot of admiration on my part, and warms the cockles of my heart. All that being said, then when it is my turn to emulate Christ and become the servant, I have been known to be lacking. As I read the comments by others above, I could so identify with those who mentioned “selfishness” and “not wanting to be bothered.” That’s just about where the problem lies with me as well. After an opportunity has gone by, I then look back and chastise myself saying, “That was a case of discipleship denied!”
2. Comment on the Michael Card video/song or the painting by Ford Madox Brown of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.
The painting really spoke to me. The expressions on the disciples’ faces told the story. Some were bewildered, some were intrigued, some were shocked. One disciple was reaching down to unfasten his sandals, I assume to be the next in line to have his feet washed. Jesus isn’t watching to see the disciples’ reactions. He is just humbly focused on washing the feet before him. It is something He can do just in a matter-of-fact way.
You described Christy well — and her heart!
Susan: also meant to say, I was interested to hear that you heard Linda Dillow speak recently. I read her book, ”Calm My Anxious Heart’ a few years ago and have referred back to it several times. In fact, was just thinking of ordering it for a friend who was recently dx with breast cancer. I don’t know anything else about her or the other woman who spoke with her, other than this book, but I’ve found it a comfort and a good challenge many times.
I just wanted to give a BIG THANK YOU for the prayers. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate them and ALL of you! I was wanting to run away last week and felt so unhealthy and desperate emotionally. I may talk to someone about that if it happens to that degree again. it was awful. I can only share I cannot just look into myself being so self focused. It is a slippery slope. The Lord gave me this scripture and I am trusting and holding on. God is so faithful.
I know I am not alone in having difficult circumstances and I so want to encourage others if you need prayer ask for it. Do not go it alone! I know the Lord will use that which we suffer to help others with the same consolation the Lord provided for us. None of it is meaningless and I believe the Lord will receive the Glory! I am SLOWLY learning I cannot rely on myself I need to TOTALLY trust in Him
Comfort in Suffering
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
Delivered from Suffering
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does[a] deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our[b] behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
What stood out? We must love everyone in our path no matter how hard. Sometimes its so hard!
Comment on the painting. I had my feet washed once at our youth group it was VERY HUMBLING putting all pride aside in the context of someone serving me. I cried!!!!!
And to do the washing is such a huge act of service. I honestly do not find it to be the most pleasant thing to do. Again putting my selfishness aside to want to serve someone in such a capacity. I think some of the men at the table are doing some serious thinking of how can he be doing that and questioning if they would be able to do that. After all he was setting the example for them to follow.
Such a huge lesson will be learned in my life that without Him most of what I want to do in loving others is impossible. I need Him to love
Liz, you are loved and thank you for the scripture quote.
Our hope is in the Lord and yes, without Him we could not love.
Feeling the need for prayer today for a broken relationship of my 21 year old grandson.
So sad to see and feel so helpless, but love him so.
Shirley – is the relationship between you and your grandson broken or is it a different relationship in his life that is broken? Praying for him either way just now, but hoping the relationship in question is not between you and him. 🙁 Is he a believer?
Just clarifying he has alienated his parents and siblings and now facing hard consequences. I love him and feel the hurt of each one. He lives 125 miles from me, but I must detach. I would talk to him if he called me.
Dearest Liz – as you know, the prayer response by the sisters here upon hearing of your desperate need was overwhelming. What I really love is that, though you thank us for our prayers, it is to the LORD GOD that you direct all of your praise! Truly without Him we are not even capable of prayer! 🙂 He so sweetly met you in your need – so beautiful. And I think you are wise to consider getting outside help as well if you find yourself in such a scary low place again. He works sweetly through “practical helps” (Doctors, etc) too! 🙂
Grateful you are feeling better, Liz. How vivid is the metaphor of the body that when one hurts, we all hurt. Thank you for sharing what has been helping you in your walk this week.
This is a very special post For me. I am living the quote in my marriage through hardship. I wrote it all out but it is a little long to share here. I’m glad I wrote it down at least. The visit from Christy really touched me. She braved the winter and how blessed Dee was by her visit. The heart picture touched me especially also. It is so vibrant. I am beginning to feel that way. It seemed so impossible but God is doing it!
Do you know how much I love you being here? That isn’t side=ways or to make you feel guilty when it is too much — you are free. Just want you to know I love having you here.
Thank you Dee. I do appreciate that freedom.
2. Comment on the Michael Card video/song or the painting by Ford Madox Brown of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.
And the call is to community,
The impoverished power that sets the soul free.
In humility, to take the vow,
That day after day we must take up the basin and the towel.
This chorus has run through my mind before. I’ve been sitting here thinking about the phrase ‘the Improverished power”. I had to ponder a bit. What or Who is the Impoverished power? I think it is Jesus who humbly laid aside His glory and for our sakes, became poor. A man who ‘had no place to lay His head’ and who was called ‘a man of sorrows’. Even though He was the rightful owner of all the power and glory of the Almighty. And then, I think of how He calls us to follow. To walk in His light. To humbly answer the call to be in a community and to serve others without reservation. Jesus’ servitude here is an example that never fades in value and impact. How serving others can free us from bondage is also a thought worth a lot of pondering.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
“We must love every individual in our path,
No matter how hard,
No matter how seemingly insignificant.
No matter how sure we are that the problem is with them.”
SO hard.
2. Comment on the Michael Card video/song or the painting by Ford Madox Brown of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.
I love Michael Card, even though I’m not so familiar with his work. Dee, you’ve had him on here before and I’ve enjoyed his songs. I liked this one too! The year before my mother died I decided that I needed to spend time with her doing things for her. One of those things happened to be washing her feet. I don’t know why, but I just felt the need to do it. It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done; uncomfortable. I’m a dancer, and I don’t like people touching my feet. She happened to really like it, I think. It felt good to do something nice for somebody like that. Since she was a Christian, she probably especially enjoyed it.
I’m so glad you washed her feet! Sweet story.
I gave my mother footrubs and now my daughters, Anne and Sally, always do it for me. Steve did it even when he was dying. They never forgot that picture.
Dee….I find that so amazing…that Steve gave you foot rubs…even when he was dying. What a humbling loving way to share our love with one another. It’s so neat that the girls have carried on Steve ‘s desire to give you pleasure!
3. Read John 13:1-11
A. What did Jesus know and so what did He do according to verse 1?
Jesus knew it was time for him to depart this world. So he loved those that he loved until the end.
B. What do we learn about Judas according to verse 2?
The betrayal was put into his heart by the devil.
C. Describe what Jesus did and how Peter responded in verses 3-9.
Jesus began to wash the disciples feet starting with Peter. Peter didn’t think it was right for him to wash his feet, but Jesus said him straight by saying if I don’t wash your feet, then you don’t share part of me. He also told him that there be a time later that he would understand these actions. When he put it like that, Peter wanted him to wash his entire body! Basically Jesus said that’s not necessary….
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Hilda’s story stood out to me and how everyone at the Bible study embraced her and just listened for that shows His love..they were more concerned about her and God moving in her to open her eyes than in ‘them’ opening her eyes and ‘correcting’ her. They were sensitive to Him and knew to listen. SO powerful.
And Christy-oh..so love her and I had the opportunity to spend time with her last year and saw Him in her too..she senses needs often without you having to mention it and she grabs the basin and towel again and again. When we were in Ephraim, I remember a little thing she did but for me it was big. I am horrible with finding places to eat when I am in a new place-direction wise. If someone gives me verbal directions I will forget by the time I get in the car. Christy saw I was hesitant after she told me a few times how to get to the pizza place, and instead of asking do you want me to drive..she said, hey you know what I will drive you there. It took a load off of my shoulders for I thought..I know I will get lost! 🙂
: – )
2. Comment on the Michael Card video/song or the painting by Ford Madox Brown of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.
We are doing Idol Lies on Sunday nights in our community group..this song depicts our group. God is moving in the life of everyone through Idol lies and last night God showed us he is bringing something painful to the surface in one of our sisters-but He is going to make her even more beautiful. We were taking up the basin and towel last night-It so reminded me of the scene with Rich Mullins when he was with Manning and was unraveled due to the pain inside his father caused-but he could open up with Manning and Manning took up the basin and towel. This is what I saw last night among all of us. I am unable to share detail here for I don’t have permission but oh.. His Love was so present.
How beautiful Rebecca. The Spirit at work among His people.
C. Describe what Jesus did and how Peter responded in verses 3-9.
Knowing who he was, his identity and where he was going to end up, with the father with everything subject to him, he laid aside his ‘rights’ and served, like the lowest servant in the house, those who were with him.
It is amazing to imagine, but he must have washed even Judas’ feet. Paul showed how wrong this was to their sensibilities in his reaction and rejection, then after Jesus rebuke, all or nothing Peter wanted more washing than the others. I love Peter.
I thought that too Chris! Of Judas!
A thought struck me when I read that Jesus must have washed Judas feet too. Jesus has been telling everyone to love their enemies. In Matthew he says to love your enemies and pray for them, in Luke he says to not only love your enemies but also to do good to them. The thought was that to be a follower of Christ is to follow his example, then I need to not only love my enemy, but I also need to “wash their feet”. I struggle with the loving them part, but if my thought is correct then that is not enough, I am to do more than just love them.
Really good and convicting insight, Mary. Thanks for sharing this.
Chris,
What a great thought..about Judas. That is the ‘upside down-ness’ of the Gospel!! Everything in my flesh says no way…we are told not to do that in our culture..but Jesus did it over and over even going to the cross for us who nailed his wrists and feet.
Had not thought of Him washing Judas feet!
A. What did Jesus know and so what did He do according to verse 1?
He knew that His hour had come so He loved His disciples up to the end. You might think that He would need to focus on Himself to get ready for what was coming. But He was getting them ready and spending this time with them was part of that.
B. What do we learn about Judas according to verse 2?
He was listening to the devil who had put it in his heart to betray Jesus.
C. Describe what Jesus did and how Peter responded in verses 3-9.
Jesus knew that He had come from God, an odd statement because I thought, of course He knew. Maybe it makes clear the fact that He was God’s ambassador and in this role, He washed their feet. There is so much symbolism here. God’s humility and their pride in not wanting their dirt exposed. Peter was at first very emphatic in rejecting the idea. But when he realized it was necessary to be with Jesus he was all for it. The painting did a wonderful job of depicting the various stages of realization in the disciples.
4. Read John 13:12-20 and explain the main point of this living illustration.
Jesus demonstrated for them what they should do for each other. Serve.
5. How in your life might you “wash feet?”
Whenever we do for another that which they can’t do for themselves, but I think it can go beyond that to just looking for ways to serve others. I work with a Korean woman who does that very well. She is a believer but I also wonder if it is a cultural thing.
When we have a particular skill set or abilities, we can bless others with them, like Christie did with the printer.
Recently in my family we have found out that my years of nursing has given me skills that are invaluable for our situation. I have never seen my husband so humbled and appreciative. It has changed him. For me it has given me great joy to minister to him.
I am so grateful that Dee has taught us to accept suffering from His hand and lean in to Him. It can be very hard to do in the trenches but how He helps us. One early morning, at our lowest point I was on the bus in to work feeling like I should have stayed home. There was a woman sitting across from me with a button on her bag that said “God’s Got This”. Now my husband says that to me when we start to feel stressed.
What stands out to me the most is how the more our eyes are open to our own sin the easier it is to have compassion and patience with others. As my pride is lessened I’m less likely to see my way the only way and my heart opens to different ways being different but not wrong…..and honestly even if they are wrong, who appointed me judge and jury!
Loving people in their brokenness is HARD! :-):-) but it’s what we have been called to do. We are not called to FIX people but to point then to the ultimate fixer and let HIM do HIS work in them, this requires is to give up our control idol!
Back to idols again Dee 🙂
Cyndi, loved this whole post…”the more our eyes are open to our own sin the easier it is to have compassion and patience with others.”
“Loving people in their brokenness is HARD!”
Amen and amen!
But isn’t his is the gift we’ve received and now try to live out, as ambassadors of the King!
You express my thoughts so closely, Cyndi!
thanks sisters, so nice to have like minded people in your life 🙂
http://youtu.be/RhxELo-uD3c
This song is about marriage but I think itaapplied to all relationships…they are messy, and we should always point others to Jesus, but we will not see perfection this side of heaven…soooo we must learn to love each other in our broken, messy now.
A. What did Jesus know and so what did He do according to verse 1?
Jesus knew that his time to sacrifice himself had come.
B. What do we learn about Judas according to verse 2?
That Satan had already put into his heart to betray the Lord, before the Passover feast had started.
C. Describe what Jesus did and how Peter responded in verses 3-9.
Knowing that God had put everything into his hands, he got up from the table and “lowered” himself to the position of a servant and washed the apostle’s feet. Peter didn’t understand and his pride got in the way when he told Jesus that the Lord couldn’t wash his feet. Peter still didn’t understand when Jesus explained to him that Jesus needed to wash him, otherwise he wouldn’t be clean. Peter then got cocky and said well then you need to wash the rest of me too.
4. Read John 13:12-20 and explain the main point of this living illustration.
Jesus is teaching the disciples to take care of each other and others; to love each other. He says that those who receive Him also receive He who sent Him.
5. How in your life might you “wash feet?”
Serving others.
6. Read John 13:21-30.
A. What did the disciples fear? How does this show a growing understanding into their own hearts?
They feared they might be “the one.” They understood that things were going on around them that they couldn’t control.
B. Ponder verses 26 and 27 and show how Jesus still gives Judas a chance to repent, and what happens when he does not. How does this illustrate the John Stott quote in red above?
Jesus tells them He will give the person a “morsel.” When He gives it to Judas, he could have said,”no! Not me”…..and asked for forgiveness right then. Since he doesn’t, the devil enters him and the sequence of events begins. His heart was already in the darkness, and his true heart (darkness) was coming out and contributing to the situation. It’s like resonance in science….a building up effect. If you aren’t familiar with resonance, think about pushing a child on a swing; as you push, the child goes higher and higher. If the darkness/light is within you, and a situation occurs, you may build that situation up by your actions after the fact.
Laura, the resonance connection and analogy of pushing a child on a swing is good!
Good analogy with swing.
“His heart was already in the darkness, and his true heart (darkness) was coming out and contributing to the situation. It’s like resonance in science….a building up effect. If you aren’t familiar with resonance, think about pushing a child on a swing; as you push, the child goes higher and higher. If the darkness/light is within you, and a situation occurs, you may build that situation up by your actions after the fact.”
Laura, thanks so much for posting this…what a thought to ponder.
3. Read John 13:1-11
A. What did Jesus know and so what did He do according to verse 1?
Jesus knew it was his time to go to the cross so while He had shown them he loved them the whole time he was with them, He was getting ready to show them even deeper via washing their feet and I think it was a beautiful way to represent the cross-what he was getting ready to do.
B. What do we learn about Judas according to verse 2?
satan put it in Judas heart to betray Jesus.
C. Describe what Jesus did and how Peter responded in verses 3-9.
I saw something new I hadn’t seen before. I knew Jesus took his garments off and used them to dry their feet..but this is huge. This is lowly..only servants would do this. Jesus also took his garment off and used it to dry their feet..and this was flowing out of His Love for them. I am thinking of the cross..that He was willing to be stripped of His Glory for us to clothe us in His white garment..and HE wants us to love one another so much that we become less.
Also, I saw anew a few verses further..in regard to v 13-16-convicting and exciting at the same time! When we choose ourselves over others-when we don’t Love, we are saying we are higher than God for God gave Himself away.
Rebecca, I love what you said about His garments. He used His garments to cleanse us…so much meaning there! Thank you for sharing!
Also, I had a thought..again about Jesus washing Judas feet..serving those who are easy to love is one thing-our brothers and sisters in Christ..but serving and loving our enemies is another. I think of the Burnhams when they were captured how Gracia’s husband served their captors. From what I understand two or three have become Christians in prison. Garcia was corresponding with them. She has forgiven them and loves them.
Another example hits home and it is in our churches or in the workplace. Grabbing the basin and the towel and loving those who may use us to make themselves look better through gossip, etc..
Rebecca, your thoughts about serving others who use us is an overwhelming thought for me. It is so easy for me to back away from those who hurt me.
Yet to be Christlike is to serve: To be vulnerable and to risk the hurt of possible rejection.
What stands out to me?
The outreach to Hilda and the way she is loved and accepted by the study group.
The love between Dee and Christy and the beauty of their working relationship. This brings hope to restoration
of relationships when God is at work in our hearts.
Comment on the painting of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. This painting touches my heart for it shows clearly
the humility and love of Jesus for his disciples. They are watching intently,not understanding, yet responding to his act
that symbolizes the concept of service to one another. Oh how he loves us. How we should love one another. Yet
we know what is about to happen to him: the betrayal by a trusted follower who has been taught as the other 11.
1 what stood out to you from the above and why? The way Hilda was approached: “…knowing that if she keeps coming, it is likely she will discover the truth herself!” How easily I forget that God Himself woos those He loves, the truth is winning and beautiful. I often “brace” for arguments and debates… Or ‘just say something about Jesus’ because I feel I “need” to. But the approach to Hilda reminds me of something important to soften my heart, love, and let God do His work through His truth, to always love but not necessarily always speak… To be patient in His timing and doors
The John Stott quote is very true!
Lastly this: “We must love every individual in our path, no matter how hard…” I absolutely agree. My question is, what do you do when that person tells you to go away (a believer). Is it loving or unloving to respect that wish? Most likely this is a complicated answer and a case by case decision (follow the Spirit but sometimes that isn’t clear) I do struggle with this question…
You are probably right about it being complicated. Naomi told Ruth to go away and she didn’t. But I would think that normally when they ask for that space I would give it. Painful!
6A.The disciples feared that they might be the one to betray Jesus. They were realizing how wicked their own hearts could be, especially after the discussion they had just before the foot washing.
B.When Judas turned from Jesus’ offer of repentance and a change of course Satan entered into him. Judas chose the dark and it claimed him.
C.Could it be that this command is pointed to in the Ten Commandments and all of the Old Testament laws? In the Old Testament our need is revealed because we can never keep the law. In this new command we will be able because of the risen Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in us.
3. Read John 13:1-11
A. What did Jesus know and so what did He do according to verse 1?
He knew his time had come to die and to go to the Father.
B. What do we learn about Judas according to verse 2?
The devil had provoked Judas to betray Jesus.
C. Describe what Jesus did and how Peter responded in verses 3-9.
He put a towel around his waist, poured a basin full of water, and began washing the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel. When he got to Peter, Peter questioned Him as to whether Jesus was going to wash his feet. Jesus told him that he would understand later why Jesus was doing that, but Peter declined and said “You will never wash my feet! Jesus told him that He must wash his feet or he would not have a place with him. So then, Peter responded, “Lord, not onlyu my feet but also my hands and my head!”
I know it has been mentioned already, but it is interesting to think that Jesus washed Judas’ feet. He must have as He said that the disciples were clean, but not all of them, because He knew Judas would betray Him.
4. Read John 13:12-20 and explain the main point of this living illustration.
I think it was sort of a commissioning to service. He was sent by God and was God, and if He could stoop to serve His disciples by washing their feet, He wanted them to serve one another and others in His name. If He could do it, they most certainly ought to do it!
5. How in your life might you “wash feet?”
Well, I know that some of you have said you have literally washed someone else’s feet. I did it once on a retreat, but I can’t say it was a great spiritual experience for me — I felt very awkward about it. However, that may be the point — be willing to do things that make you feel awkward in His name. I am thinking I may have more opportunities to serve in other ways than to literally wash feet. Maybe it is to clean up tables and wash dishes or to be at the end of the line at a fellowship dinner. I already need to go and get my husband’s food and bring it to him. It isn’t that he is physically unable to do it, it is that I understand his low-sodium diet and know how to select the right foods for him. I tend to be quick to offer to drive others to events. Night driving doesn’t bother me yet, and some of my friends find night driving difficult. Helping others put on their coats or holding doors is another way, although that might just be considered courtesy.
I have wondered if there would be an analogy to something different today, since we don’t normally wash others feet. Maybe cleaning up after them when they are sick? I don’t know — but I do think there is something we lose from not being in that culture.
4. Read John 13:12-20 and explain the main point of this living illustration.
I thought of this passage from Romans 12:
“3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
As Christ modeled humility in serving we need to imitate him. I am quite willing to serve those I deem a superior to me, but that isn’t what we are shown here. How willing am I to be humble and patient with those seem beneath me? Convicting stuff.
5. How in your life might you “wash feet?”
I thought about the last verse of the passage: “20Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me”
That Christ sends dirty footed people into my path, and me into theirs. The sin and suffering of this world leaves us with dirty feet, we need to be honest about our sin and struggles, redirecting one another to the Light, to repentance, hope,and confidence that we are being transformed, that we are forgiven and whiter than snow!
It takes time, and the laying down of our lives to wash feet. Somewhere I heard (CCEF probably) that as we walk through the messiness of peoples broken lives, the sewage of sin, we will get splashed, the filth will cling to us too.
As I help others, and I think harder still, allow them to really see and help me, we are being like Christ to each other. It all matters!
Interesting about walking through the sewage…
I agree with Dee on this. I have been thinking all along when everyone talks about these foot washings that they’ve experienced that the disciples were used to having their feet washed and could have washed their own feet, it wasn’t having their feet washed that was unusual, it was who was doing it. When you’re in a foot washing “ceremony” or washing feet as an object lesson, it isn’t the same.
Maybe thinking of someone taking out your trash or cleaning up your dog’s “land mines” would be more accurate. Think of the most respected person you know, the one that you’d never in a million years ask to clean up after you, nor would you think that they ever would and that would be what it was like for them. You look out your window and see your pastor in your yard with a pooper scooper, what would you think or do?
5. How in your life might you “wash feet?”
First I thought–look for ways to serve others and put their needs before my own, but always with a heart that is not trying to appear better than or more pulled together…always humble, broken, admitting my own weakness and neediness.
But thinking a little more, I realize that to wash others’ feet is to enter in to their dirty-ness, unconcerned with and unafraid of taking some of of that “dirt” on myself. It is to come to the other with my offering, my “supplies”, and be down at their feet. I am not above, or even beside, but I am lowering myself so that they cannot feel small because of their weakness. I think I experienced this today. I was leaving work and have had some ongoing struggles lately. This former pastor who I had not seen in weeks happened to come in just as I was leaving. He asked if I was ok. If a person who I know loves me asks me that, and I am not really OK, I pretty much crumble. So I did and he sat down, took my hands and prayed over me. I left and all I could do was thank Jesus for showing up for me, reminding me that He sees me and loves me so deeply. I felt renewed. Like clean feet. But this friend had to take the time, let my tears fall, and took on some of my burden, carrying it to the Lord. I guess I’m thinking that “foot washing”—is showing up, seeing the need, entering in—not weighing the cost to self, and I can only do this service in His way, His name, His strength.
I am tracking with you Elizabeth.Our church held a domestic violence forum tonight, I was thinking about secrecy and shame and how those things grow and flourish in part because we don’t want to be sad. We don’t want the mess of other peoples pain. We need to be safe, people who others can be real with, no matter how awful the story.
love that God gave you someone to be real with Elizabeth!
Entering in without weighing the cost to self. Yes.
“to wash others’ feet is to enter in to their dirty-ness, unconcerned with and unafraid of taking some of of that “dirt” on myself. It is to come to the other with my offering, my “supplies”, and be down at their feet. I am not above, or even beside, but I am lowering myself so that they cannot feel small because of their weakness. … “foot washing”—is showing up, seeing the need, entering in—not weighing the cost to self, and I can only do this service in His way, His name, His strength.”
Elizabeth, this is SO right on! So clearly articulated…thank you!
Elizabeth, I’m really glad that you experienced “foot washing” from your pastor/friend. So often when people say “How are you doing?” they are only looking for a response of “I am fine,” not really asking because they care to know or hear. How blessed to have a friend who just happens to come by, who just happens to notice and ask…yes, no doubt this was a circumstance orchestrated by the King that loves you…:)
OH Elizabeth, God’s timing in intersecting your path with that pastor’s…and yes, “foot washing” can take on many forms, like “showing up, seeing the need, entering in”. Like Chris said, often we don’t want the mess of other people’s pain. Emotional pain, tears, can make us uncomfortable, as if we’ll somehow get sucked down into their pain, too.
5. How in your life might you “wash feet?”
I am having some difficulty figuring out what constitutes “washing feet” today. I first thought that if I do something unexpected for someone else that might be, but then I am thinking that Jesus just didn’t do something nice for the apostles, he did something for the apostles that they could not do for themselves (wash them clean), but he did it from a servant position, not from a leadership position. Am I on the right track?
6. Read John 13:21-30.
A. What did the disciples fear? How does this show a growing understanding into their own hearts?
They fear being the one who betrays the Lord. They didn’t answer that they could never do that, they asked whether it was them. It might show that they recognize they could be the one who does it.
B. Ponder verses 26 and 27 and show how Jesus still gives Judas a chance to repent, and what happens when he does not. How does this illustrate the John Stott quote in red above?
At first I was wondering what you meant as I didn’t see where Jesus gave Judas a chance to repent. The only place where I can see it is when Jesus says he gives his betrayer the bread. Judas had the chance to not take the bread, but he didn’t and as soon as Judas took the bread, Satan took over.
The John Stott quote would be Judas hatred revealed that even though he was surrounded by light, he himself was in darkness. By taking the bread he future contributed to the darkness as Satan entered and things got much darker because of it.
7. Read John 13:31-35. What is the “new” commandment that is also old. What is it and why do you think it is new? (See also 1 John 2:7-11)
the he new commandment is to love each other as Jesus loved them. This brings to mind the old hymn, “they will know we our Christians by our love.”
http://youtu.be/ugQwh-phnZY
8. Reflect on the John Stott quote and share how you have experienced:
A. Darkness and hatred increasing as you walk in the dark.
I have a fierce mama bear in me that rarely surfaces but when she does I am always shocked. The truth is that she is completely ineffective and leaves me angry with myself too. After 4 or 5 years I still have an incident on my mind that happened with my younger son. The results seem to have changed his spiritual course for life. Last week a friend called me out on it. She said I had to deal with it because it is affecting me and that my whole countenance changes when I talk about it.
B. Light and love increasing as you walk in light.
In endevoring (again) to forgive this man I got a glimpse of his responsibility before God, not only his but the church that placed him in that position of leadership. It was sobering and I began to melt a little. Some light shone in and during a sleepless night last night I remember some of the ways that I also failed. I have expressed here before my regret over failures in training my children but I relize that I have not brought many of them through the confession, repentance, forgiveness cycle. If I don’t the guilt just festers like a wound, ineffective and poisonous. My prayer this morning is that I will be able to identify some of these sins, name them and bring them to the foot of the cross. That will be my #9 and I will report back.
Another thought. Did my friend wash my feet when she called me out?
Anne as I read this “I got a glimpse of his responsibility before God”
I thought about the truth that all sin is against God first and foremost, and how that truth has helped me quiet my soul.
It sounds like you have a true friend, seems like foot washing to me 🙂
I had a friend who called me out for being critical, it has been painful to look at but true. That cynicism still clings to me more than I know, I am so glad she held up that mirror for me.
Anne, I agree with Chris…I think you did receive a “foot washing” from your friend. If she didn’t truly love and care for you, she would have left you where you were at, instead she took the initiative to “call you out.” So many facets to this gem…
Anne, I thought last night about Paul confronting Peter over his avoiding eating with the gentiles, and Peter turning from that. I think of foot washing more often of us confessing one another and finding the power of the sin we reveal being lessened/weakened in our life as our fellow believer helps redirect our hearts, but someone speaking the truth in love about something I am blind to, This is a new aspect of this concept for me. Thanks you for raising it.
Anne, it is a good friend indeed who can call you on something, yet they stick by you. A friend that can see both our good, bad and ugly sides, and still love us, is a treasure.
What did the disciples fear? How does this show a growing understanding into their own hearts?
It says they looked at one another. I wonder if their first inclination is to recognize the sin in their neighbor and wonder about them before looking internally and seeing their own?
The line about some of the wondering if when Judas left he had been told to go buy what they needed for the feast made me recall the sermon where we leaned that no lamb is mentioned as being a part of this Passover supper.
B. Ponder verses 26 and 27 and show how Jesus still gives Judas a chance to repent, and what happens when he does not.
To be honest this question brings up a firestorm in my brain of sovereignty and free will that wearies me to the point of not wanting to ponder this. Sigh
I so get that, Chris!
oops – Dee, if you see a comment needing approval for question 2 without a name or email, that was me. Sorry.
Nope — didn’t turn up, Sweetheart.
7. Read John 13:31-35. What is the “new” commandment that is also old. What is it and why do you think it is new? (See also 1 John 2:7-11) “8At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.” I like this in the ESV… that this is already true in us 🙂 Is the answer to why it is new, is that though this has always been a commandment to love God and our neighbor, because of the Holy Spirit there is now power living in us to accomplish the task of heart change? We are called to a greater love because of the cross?
6. Read John 13:21-30.
A. What did the disciples fear? How does this show a growing understanding into their own hearts?
I think it was as if each and every disciple present was worried that Jesus meant “them”! Perhaps each one knew that they had secrets and failing in their own lives, and each could have believed it might have been himself.
B. Ponder verses 26 and 27 and show how Jesus still gives Judas a chance to repent, and what happens when he does not. How does this illustrate the John Stott quote in red above?
I confess that I don’t clearly see Jesus giving Judas a second chance. What was that about? Should Judas have refused to take the bread from Jesus when He dipped it and offered it to him? Was it because Judas accepted the bread that it signaled his intent to go through with his evil scheme to betray Jesus? I struggle with it. I have always wrestled with the idea that someone had to betray Jesus in order for Jesus to get to the cross, which was necessary to carry out God’s plan. If it hadn’t been Judas, then it would have needed to be someone else. These are disturbing thoughts for me. If I don’t stop at this point, I will soon be sliding into that conversational chasm of discussing predestination! 🙂
John Stott’s quote:
Our love and our hatred not only reveal whether we are in the light or the darkness,
but actually contribute toward the light or the darkness in which we already are.
Our love and our hatred, and particularly the choices based on our love and hatred, reveal whether we are in the light or darkness. Each choice progresses us along in one direction or another. If they are choices based on hatred and darkness, then we will soon be spiraling downward into even greater darkness.
The reverse is true, choices based on love and light lift us into greater areas of love and light.
…..and so what did He do according to verse 1? I keep thinking about two phrases this week: Michael Card’s words the impoverished power and John’s words: …he now showed them the full extent of his love. which precedes the foot washing scene. The love Jesus shows when he washes their feet is truly remarkable, but how is it that it is called the full extent of His love? Isn’t that yet to come? His agony in Gethsemane, His patience through the betrayal, denial and misrepresentation and mockery of justice, the beating, the flogging, the nails, the hammers, the thorns, the thirst, the forgiveness, the mercy, the compassion for Mary and John, the abandonment by His Father and ultimately, the resurrection. Surely these showed the FULL extent of His love. So, I am brought back to Card’s phrase; the impoverished power who sets the soul free. And herein lies the answer to my questions. When Jesus humbled Himself to take on the role of the lowest servant, He is visibly acting out the gospel which Paul states in Philippians. Who, being in very nature GOD, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross. This is the full extent of His love. This is the path of humility and obedience that Jesus visibly begins to undertake when He impoverishes Himself; lays aside ALL of His power and glory, His actual divinity and takes on the very form and action of a servant. What wondrous love is this, oh my soul, oh my soul! What wondrous love is this, Oh my soul. What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
1. So excited to hear about Hilda in the future. No one is beyond the reach of God. The hound of Heaven is pursuing her!
What mixed emotions must the disciples have felt upon seeing Jesus washing Peter’s feet – fear, confusion, doubt, anticipation? Could it be? Is this what it means to follow Jesus? Not what they expect of a leader. Just so like the gospel. It does not seem to make sense until your spirit is gripped by the magnificence of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice.
He illumines and empowers. Many times despite the illumination I receive through the Word, I am still slow in appropriating the empowering of God. I tend to slide into my own abilities thinking I can do it on my own. I need the fresh wind of the Spirit to remind me daily He is living in me, empowering me to do the will of God and to give glory to Him.
How in your life might you “wash feet”?
As a nurse, I have often considered foot care (besides giving postmortem care) a privilege and an honor to do for a patient. It may not be the “dirtiest” part of the body especially for the ones who have been bedridden or wheelchair bound but it can be. I am surprised to see some of my former nursing students balk at doing foot care “I don’t do feet”, some of them would say. They would only do it for me since it is part of the requirements to pass the class. I have done many feet in my years of nursing and always have left my patient’s room with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I have sensed the Father is pleased and I pray that whenever I “wash feet” again, I will do it in remembrance of my Lord and Savior and not a personal accomplishment just worth bragging about. I could easily be tempted to do the latter and feel superior over those who don’t “do feet”. Lord ,create in me a servant attitude like yours wherever I find myself to be.
Your patient have , I am certain, have been blessed to have you. A tender caring nurse makes such a difference.
This is wonderful, Bing!
Bing–this says so much about your humble heart, and how you are living the calling God has gifted you for. How I would love to have you as a nurse!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
So much! Hilda’s story, which is not yet finished…but how easily she could’ve been turned-off. But I see Nancy reaching out to her, despite her gruffness, leading her to accept the invitation to come to your study. And then, “the women listened with listening ears”. How quick I can be to want to explain my beliefs, to go into a “lecture”. I think the “listening ears” stands out, because we can listen to someone, but I think they can tell when we are listening in a condescending way, or listening as if we believe we are right and they are wrong or foolish, or not really listening at all! Nancy Leigh DeMoss always says that a believer needs to be winsome…I think that Dee and her friends have this winsome-ness.
The quote by John Stott also stood out. “Our love and our hatred not only reveal whether we are in the light or the darkness, but actually contribute toward the light or the darkness in which we already are.” We must love…no matter how sure we are that the problem is with them. That theme was touched upon in Whiter Than Snow, the devotional I’ve been reading. I can be so sure that they are the problem, the sinner over there. It’s not me. But now I see that when I feel that I cannot love because of the other person’s attitudes, behavior, words, or actions, I do have a problem. If I choose to be unloving in response, then I move further away from the light, and the darkness in my heart increases. Choosing to love gives me more light. We must love every individual in our path, no matter how hard. I’ve been pondering that statement in light of even some Christian books that advise us to draw boundaries with some people. Last Sunday, a woman from our church spoke to our class about an orphanage she founded in Ghana. Some of the children are there because a parent was abusive; for example, one young teenage boy’s mother is dead, and his father was a cruel and abusive alcoholic, Yet, she would say again and again that the children “love their families”. So they take them to their villages to visit their families. This boy loved his dad and wants to visit him and tell him about Jesus. Others have family members who practice voodoo. They still love them and want to tell them about Jesus. We were talking about this later and I thought how often we distance ourselves from “unhealthy relationships”, draw boundaries, cut people out of our lives. I know there are times, as in physical abuse, where we must do that, but I wonder how often, even within Christianity, we are urged to distance ourselves from those who give us a hard time? We can just pray for them, from a distance? But what these African young boys and girls are doing is something different.
This is rich Susan. I have purchased Whiter Than Snow but haven’t started it yet.
I woke up today thinking about how Jesus said the Pharisees kept people who were seeking him from finding him, and then thinking about the ways that happens now, how the judgmental, older brother attitude, settles in on us. Towards unbelievers but also towards fellow believers. We turn our preferences into divisions.
We are even stingy with grace, deciding who we think is open to it or worthy of it.
Susan, thanks for the reference to Whiter than Snow; I have heard the book referenced in the past and have pondered its purchase. Your comment has sealed that decision; I will be ordering it today. I have been dealing with some head and heart issues; I think delving deeper into psalm 51 would be helpful. If I’m not mistaken, this is the book that Dee references in Idol Lies that convicts prior to her conversation with her son-in-law.
Yep…I heard about the book through Dee’s reference!
3 A-C
Jesus knew WHEN He was going to die, He knew that He was to be the final passover lamb. The father had it all planned out and the timing was PERFECT. This was no ordinary day, this was the day that the Jews celebrated GODS rescue of His people, and HE was about to do it perfectly and finally on this night.
I think its very hard for us to understand the system that was in place when Jesus walked the earth. It was not so much that Peter didnt want Jesus to wash his feet but that if Jesus was going to wash feet that meant that he to would have to stoop to the place of a slave. I think thats why Jesus verbalized that THEY to would be expected to wash feet, to serve others This was the chosen, the elite! up to this point they thought they were going to be in charge, that they would be part of the over throw of the roman empire, and here they were being told they were going to be no better then slaves…..This is just one more proof that the Bible MUST be true! no one would make this stuff up!
the way we wash feet is to follow Philippians 2
for me personally this takes many forms. depending on the day it can mean leading Bible study, taking kids to school, taking students to work/dr, making dinner, shopping for a sofa, planning a wedding, helping get a car fixed ect, the “action” really does not matter! its the AVAILABILITY that matters. living life with eyes wide open to the needs of those around me and being willing to be what is needed at that given moment to the person that HE has placed in my path that hour.
I should have put “i WONDER if peter was more worried about his own status” I didn’t mean for it to sound like I “knew” tha’ts what he was thinking. just wondering
4. Explain the main point: John 13:12-20
Jesus taught by his example that we should serve others and in verse 17: ” You will be blessed if you do them.”
5. How in your life might you wash feet?
By doing tasks that encourage others even if they are humble tasks. Serving others, waiting on them, just being available.
Today I listened to 2 programs that spoke to me. The first one listed several ministries: the ministry of presence- just being able
to encourage, giving a hug or encouraging word; the ministry of promise- sharing God’s word when needed by someone; and the ministry
of prayer when someone is in need. I was able to pray with my sister-in-law, Janet, who is fearful of someone doing her harm. Reminding her of God’s presence and praying for comfort and strength. She calmed and was thankful.
What I need is an attitude of a willing heart to listen and not to be impatient(which I am sometimes tempted to be).
The second thing I listened to is the first of a 5-part series on Foot-Washing by Sinclair Ferguson on Renewing Your Mind.
This is excellent and you can listen by going to that website for today’s program.
Shirley, loved the ministries you mentioned: ministry of presence, promise and prayer. I want to do this for a non-traditional “student” who is struggling through health issues brought about by obesity. I am doing an exercise class that this person wants to continue attending. Pray I will “wash feet” without reservation and judgmental attitude.
8. Reflect on the John Stott quote and share how you have experienced:
A. Darkness and hatred increasing as you walk in the dark.
B. Light and love increasing as you walk in light.
9. Work with the above truth today and record tomorrow you experience.
I have experienced both lately with a student. The more I get galled over her manipulative behavior and apathy, the more I got upset with her to the point of almost giving her a low grade just for her attitude. But as I pray for her and for God to give me wisdom, the more I am beginning to see her as just a needy person who needs attention and love. I am thankful to God for exposing my sin (illumination) and empowering me to love and think of the best for this student even if she does not appreciate the efforts I am putting forth to help her.