John 13:2-5 New American Standard Bible 1995 *2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. 5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. * The thing that allowed US to be able to serve and receive these blessings are 3 Words Always Being AVAILABLE: Able to be used. 4 POINT TO STAND ON 1. It doesn’t matter what the task or ask may be, we are never too high or low to serve in any/every capacity. (It doesn’t matter how significant or insignificant it may be) V3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, Jesus knew what He was capable of. The power & authority was given to Him! He knew what he had access to. 2. Sometimes we’re going to have to take off the title/position/Status V4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. When Jesus took His took off His garments, He was taking off His royal status. Without His outer garment, Jesus was left with a tunic, a shorter garment like a long undershirt that gentile slaves would often wear to serve a meal When he put the towel around His waist, filling the basins and beginning to wash the feet off His disciples. This action was the act of the servant status. 3. Sometimes what we have to do may not make sense V7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” Jesus explains to Peter that what He was about to do may not make sense at the time, but it would make sense later. Sometimes we may end up in a place or position that may not make sense at the moment or in that season. We may have to do things or serve in a way that we feel we shouldn’t be doing. What we are asked or told to do now, may not be what we feel or know we are called to do, but unless we do those things asked of us, we will never understand or get what is coming after. We have to be careful to not allow US to get int he way of HIM How do we get in the way? Pride / Fear / worthiness / unwillingness / unavailable If the disciples would have not allowed Jesus to wash their feet, which to them, seemed out of order in the sense of protocol, then they would have never understood the message behind it. Humility is not lowering/limiting your self. It is preparing the foundation for the higher calling. Being available is allowing the Potter to mold the clay that is your life. V8 Peter *said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” When Peter was trying to deny Jesus to wash his feet, he was doing it out of ignorance. Seeing his Master/teacher/God in the flesh lower Himself as a slave confused Peter. Peter was blinded by protocol. Peter did not understand that in order to be a great leader, we have to become a servant of all. Mark 9:35 New American Standard Bible 1995 35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Jesus was being the PRIME EXAMPLE of what it takes to be a TRUE leader. It's not about having the ability of ruling or controlling. It's not about the title/position or status. We don’t have to have the title position or status to do what is out there to do. 4. Being a servant will cost you (it’s not about us) * Time / Energy / Pride Mary bore a child while being a virgin - Luke 1:38 Jesus taking on the form of a bond-servant. - Phil. 2:5-11 Spat on / Beat up / humiliated (Pride affected) When Jesus was washing the feet of His disciples, the word of God does not say that he left anyone out. In v11 says he already knew who was going to betray Him. There are going to be times when we are going to have to serve even those who we know are against us. Colossians 3:23-24 New American Standard Bible 1995 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. How do I become this servant? Isaiah 6:8 New American Standard Bible 1995 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” BE AVAILABLE