Sermon on 11 February 2025 by Pastor Justin
Introduction
Jesus is faithful and compassionate. Jesus is God and He served all. We serve not because we are inferior, or of low status. We serve because we are children of God.
Message
And supper being ended, the devil having already put it 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 had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. - John 13:2-5
Jesus knew all things and power was given to Him. He was King of kings, and yet humbled Himself down as the lowest servant, to wash the feet of His disciples. When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, it was not only to wash away physical dirt, but also a symbolic act of cleansing us of our sins. It was a display of humility and a powerful demonstration of love.
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. - John 13:12-15
Are we willing to serve others in love, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable? Human love requires a response - kindness is given to only those who are kind to you (Luke 6:32). Even a sinner can do this. Divine love, on the other hand, does not require a response (Luke 6:35). Love even those who turn their faces away from you. Help anyone in need of help. Even if you do not know whether they truly need help, just help. Vengeance is in the hands of the Lord. God values humility, obedience, and love.
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. - Luke 6:35
In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured by how we serve and love others (Matthew 20:26-28). Serving is a blessing. The one who serves even more than the one who is served (1 Peter 3:9; Acts 20:35). When we serve others, we are serving Christ Himself (Matthew 25:40). Service, like Jesus, is a win-win for all. We become more selfless and humble as we serve others, gaining a more Christ-like attitude. Do not ask “Why should I serve?” Instead, ask “Where can I serve?”
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. - 1 John 3:18
Serving should be motivated by love. Serving should not be motivated by what we may receive in return (1 John 5:1). When you are motivated by love, you give your heart to Christ, give up your old life, and serve like Jesus.
Closing
Jesus did not just tell us to serve; He showed us how to serve (John 13:15). Serving like Jesus means serving out of love with the intention to glorify God. Show up, use your time and talent, and treasure to serve one another in humility and in love. Let us freely give, and expect nothing in return.
Comments