Notes

Let’s look at the heart of the greatest servant of all time.

Matthew 20:25-28 – Jesus came not to be served but to serve.

Philippians 2:5 – He demonstrated the attitude of a servant.

John 13:15 – “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Jesus Washed Their Feet – John 13:1-17

Jesus set us an Example...

He said, “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:26-28)

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matt. 23:11-12)

“I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:29)

“He made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Phil 2:7-8)

Can we learn from Jesus? Peter did...

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

“ …If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:11)

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;” (1 Peter 5:2)

There are two messages Jesus was communicating in John 13

1. Servanthood through humility

2. Jesus came to cleanse all people from sin.

Jesus served to demonstrate His love and communicate the depth of forgiveness.

“If we are not serving, then people are not seeing much of Jesus.”
- Wayne Cordeiro

When we Serve like Jesus, people will see Jesus.

Think of everyday ways that you can serve someone around you as a way to build relationships with one another and the world.

1. Serving is Powerful

When it is done together, it is a statement of unity.

2. Serving Helps us Focus

We need to be reminded about life is not just about us.

Serving puts the emphasis on others to counteract the self-serving culture around us.

3. Serving is an Opportunity

To live like Jesus! To practice humility intentionally. To impact someone’s life and see them transformed.

4. Serving Stirs up Joy

We are to serve people as if we are serving God – as unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:23)

5. Serving is Building

We are contributing to a larger cause of helping others and seeing lives changed.

We want to continue building a culture of serving.

It is not a program of serving, but a culture of serving that we want to build. We can be contributors, not consumers.

As Servant Leaders, as Covenant Partners, as people of every generation, we can set an example of serving.

It will make an impact as people come to check out what God is doing at Koinonia and as we go into our everyday world where we live and work.

John 13:17 – “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

Let’s follow by the example of the One that we serve as we serve one another and the world!