Reflecting on John 13:1-17“Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:8)
Jesus came from God to restore God’s ‘very good’ creation kingdom.
Peter was eager to receive his share (or part) of that kingdom (Matthew 19:27).
What troubled Peter was how Jesus was behaving; like a slave, not a king.
Peter did not understand that this was God’s way of restoring the kingdom.
Jesus was imaging God, acting with humility, grace and compassion.
To have a part of God’s kingdom, we need to receive God’s humble, gracious love.
We need to submit to the One that submits to us, in mutual love.
To reject humble, gracious love is to reject God, the kingdom, and life.
We were made to image God like this, and Jesus reclaims that identity for us.
We cannot be Jesus followers if we are not doing as Jesus did.
Every person we meet each day is someone we can serve in humble, gracious love.
We can offer to do the dishes, clear the table, make the bed, help with a chore.
We can listen to their story, ask about a specific need, share a meal.
We don’t need to do great things, just small things with great love.
This is how we show that we are partners with Jesus, part of His kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, being a servant to others is a mindset shift. I naturally see others as people who can serve me and my needs. Help me to change from a 'what can I get' mindset to a 'how can I help' mindset. Make me a servant!