John 13:1-17

Weekly Faith Focus

Greetings friends,

I ask that as we begin our spiritual journey together we begin to take some time daily (if you are not already) to read the Scripture and pray. I thought it would be beneficial for us to focus on the same passage of Scripture for the week. This week, we will focus on Sunday’s texts (See below). If you were not present in worship on Sunday and have not yet watched it, I encourage you to do so. The Scripture used on Sunday was John 13:1-17. Early church tradition attributes the Apostle John as the author of this Gospel. It was the last of the Gospels written, and considered a deeply spiritual and theological Gospel to supplement and complement the Synoptic Gospels. For instance, the story of Jesus with the disciples in the Upper Room is in all the Synoptic Gospels, but the story of this week’s passage of foot washing which occurred in the Upper Room is only in John. 

The context for the passage is during Holy Week. Jesus had a “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem, with people waving palms and shouting, “Hosanna!” (Palm Sunday). He turned the tables in the Temple and called out the unrighteousness of the Pharisees. He was anointed in Bethany with very expensive spikenard oil. Judas has gone to the chief priests and arranged to betray Jesus. And now, Jesus and all twelve of his disciples are in the “Upper Room” celebrating the Passover. 

Format-this is a repeat from every week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all. It is listed at the bottom for review and for anyone who is new to this exercise. Please remember that it is a suggestion. There is no pressure to do it in the format suggested, to do everything on the days that are listed, or to even to answer all the questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. If one question takes up the time because you are moved in your spirit, then stay with it. The idea of this is to spend some intentional time with the Scriptures, in the presence of God, and in prayer and reflection- in whatever way that works for you!

 

Scripture: John 13:1-17 (NIV) 

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Other Scriptures referenced:

Mark 10:35- 37 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

 

Luke 22:24 24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

 

Hebrews 7:24-26 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

 

John 19:23 23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

 

Extra-Biblical source- Josephus, an ancient historian: “Now this vesture (of the High Priest) was not composed of two pieces, nor was it sewed together upon the shoulders and the sides, but it was one long vestment so woven as to have an aperture for the neck.”

 

Leviticus 16:23-24 23 “Then Aaron (the High Priest) is to go into the tent of meeting and take off the linen garments he put on before he entered the Most Holy Place, and he is to leave them there. 24 He shall bathe himself with water in the sanctuary area and put on his regular garments. Then he shall come out and sacrifice the burnt offering for himself and the burnt offering for the people, to make atonement for himself and for the people. 

 

Romans 3:25 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

 

*To more closely examine Jesus Christ as High Priest, see Hebrews 5:1-10:18

 

Isaiah 52:7 

How beautiful on the mountains

    are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace,

    who bring good tidings,

    who proclaim salvation,

who say to Zion,

    “Your God reigns!”

 

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:

Monday: v.1a “It was just before the Passover Festival.” In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) this supper that takes place in the Upper Room is the Passover celebration. Customary to ancient writing practices, authors took liberty in adjusting timelines in order to make a theological statement. Here, John chose to move the date of the supper so that Jesus would die on the Day of Preparation of the Passover (19:31), which was when the Passover sacrifices happened in the Temple. John’s theological point is that Jesus is the sacrificial lamb- the Paschal Lamb, the Passover Lamb, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” as John the Baptist proclaimed (1:29, 36). V.1b “Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father”- Up until now Jesus had repeatedly said that his hour had not yet come (2:4; 7:8,30; 8:20), but now the hour had arrived when Jesus would fulfill what had been planned from the beginning- the redemption of the world through his death on a cross, rising from the grave, and ascension into heaven in glory. Jesus would leave this world and return to the Father (8:42; 16:27; 17:8; Phil. 2:5-11). Imagine as we read on, that Jesus knew all of this from the beginning. As the events unfold, Jesus is not only aware, but prepared and willing to do the Father’s will out of his great love for humanity- including you! Jesus even spoke of this, right before this moment in John 12:23-27, saying “it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” V.1c “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end”- the word “world” in the original Greek is kosmos, literally, “something ordered,” properly, an “ordered system” (biblehub.com). This word is used often in John’s Gospel, some forty times, and is therefore regarded as important, making a theological statement. If you have an opportunity, go through those statements and see what theological message John conveys about the world. (1:9, 29; 3:16-17; 6:51; 7:7; 9:39; 12:19, 31; 14:17, 30; 15:18; 16:11; 17:11; 18:36- and more). The New Testament, and especially John’s Gospel, regard the kosmos (world) unfavorably, as under the rule of Satan (12:31; 14:30; 16:11), as the world has been in rebellion against God since the Garden and the Fall of humanity in Genesis 3. God’s perfect Creation became corrupted by sin, creating a chasm, a breaking of the relationship between sinful humanity and holy God. Yet God did not choose to dismiss the world, but to save it through the Son, the Christ, who became flesh (fully human and fully divine- the hypostatic union) (see 1:1-5, 9-14, 18). Take a moment and pray, asking for revelation about the “world”- in a broad sense and within your life. Ask for conviction from the Holy Spirit about anything in your life that God would want you to change/repent from. If something comes up, ask for clarity, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit’s power to change. Ask if there is more that the Spirit wants you to do with that issue/circumstance, etc. Jesus “loved them to the end”- I love this phrase- that no matter what you have done, no matter what is going on in your life, Jesus loves you through it all, to the very end- no matter what. It means that Jesus loves you to the fullest. God loves you, period. “To the end”- Jesus will never stop loving you! Imagine the great love God has for you! As it says in Ephesians 3:18b, “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Thank God for the love of Christ, that saves from sins, offering forgiveness and grace, and enabling the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit to live and breathe within you! 

Tuesday: v.2 “The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus”- first note that Judas is present. Judas has been one of the Twelve- chosen by Jesus, following, listening, learning. He would’ve gone with the others, two by two in ministry- to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons” (Matt. 10:8a). Judas lived with the group, sharing meals, experiences, stories. I believe Judas would’ve been considered a faithful follower, and a friend. Though the devil had prompted Judas, that does not mean that Judas is not responsible for his choices. Remember that Jesus himself was tempted by the devil (Matt. 4:1-10, Luke 4:1-13), but Jesus did not yield and did not sin. Temptation from the enemy will happen for all of us. As it says in John 10:10, “the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.” As with any spiritual attack, we need to participate in spiritual warfare, and not give the enemy a foothold into our thoughts, heart, and life. The story of Judas could be the story of anyone who goes through the motions of the faith, and seems to sincerely be a follower of Jesus Christ. But… when God “disappoints,” as in, doesn’t do what was wanted, doesn’t fit into the person’s mold of who God is desired to be for the person’s own preconceived ideas or purposes, it gives footing for the enemy to come and take root. The devil can cultivate dissatisfaction and betrayal over time if we are not aware and careful. This can often be lived out in all forms of betrayal of Jesus, from sin to even walking away from the faith altogether. Have you witnessed this in others? Have you experienced this yourself? What were the circumstances? What were the thoughts, mindsets, that influenced those actions? How did repentance, healing, return to God, happen? Unfortunately, there are many still in a broken relationship with God, having turned away. Pray for them. Be ministers in the world to and for them. There are many families depending on others, like you, to speak God’s truth and grace into their loved ones’ lives.  

In the New Testament, many at that time, and likely Judas himself, considered that the Messiah, the Christ, “should” be a military leader to overthrow the Roman government. Jesus instead was teaching, healing. He rode into Jerusalem, not on a warhorse but on a donkey, portraying peace. Jesus was anointed at Bethany, where Judas became upset about the extravagant cost, which seemed to be the last straw (Matt. 26:6-16; Mark 14:1-11; John 12:1-11). “The devil had already prompted Judas”- remember, for believers in Jesus Christ, the devil has no power in our lives except whatever permission and cooperation we give. Take some time and pray, asking God to reveal to you any areas in your life- your thoughts, motives, decisions, actions, where you have been giving permission to the enemy to work in your life. As the Lord gives revelation- by bringing things to mind, pray for repentance and revival. Continue to put on the armor of God, study the Word of God to know how to discern what is true, and stay in connection and communication with the Holy Spirit, who leads and guides. Give thanks to God who forgives when we go astray, and gives victory over the enemy!

Wednesday: v.3a “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power,” – this wasn’t new information to Jesus. Jesus even says early on (3:35) that “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.” This is a reminder to the reader/hearer that Jesus has power, control, and authority as the narration heads toward the cross. The cross is not defeat, but victory! This is an important reminder of the divinity of Jesus, especially as this scene turns toward Jesus doing the menial task of foot washing. It creates a juxtaposition, creating an even greater shock. Jesus knew. There was no confusion or uncertainty. 

V.3b “and that he had come from God and was returning to God”- John’s Gospel begins with this theme, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (1:14). The Christ came into the world, taking on human flesh, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus the Christ, for a purpose- the redemption of humanity.  Jesus knew that once his purpose was fulfilled, victoriously rising again after dying on the cross for the sin of humankind, that he would ascend into heaven, returning to God, and sit at his right hand in glory. Read more about this in Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus knew his identity, authority, and purpose, as well as his relationship with the Father. You, too, were created for a purpose. God determined a divine plan for your life- all for God’s glory. Have you ever considered this, and if so, what have you discerned God’s purpose is for you? What is God calling you to do? You also have identity in Christ, authority through Christ, and a relationship with the Father because of Christ. What does that say to you? Have you ever had a time when you didn’t know this for yourself? What led you to the understanding of who you really are as a believer in Jesus Christ? If you are unsure about any of this, take some time to pray, asking God for greater understanding, and embrace what God reveals. V.4a “so he got up from the meal”- the Synoptic Gospels indicate that they are celebrating the Passover meal. The meal would have been served on a very low table, with everyone lying down, lounging, as they ate. V.4b “took off his outer clothing”- we learn from the crucifixion story (John 19:23) that this garment was one piece of cloth, with no seams. The ancient historian, Josephus, described how this type of garment was worn by the High Priest. The book of Hebrews speaks extensively about Jesus being our High Priest (Heb. 5:1-10:18). On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) the High Priest would remove his outer garment before performing his priestly duties for the atonement of sins. John made a point of putting this description in because it pointed to Jesus as High Priest, the One who atones for sin. V.4c “and wrapped a towel around his waist”- this was not the fluffy bath towels we have today, but rather a linen cloth that was long enough to wrap around his waist and have enough length to wipe the disciple’s feet. This is the image of a slave, and the image of Jesus being a slave would’ve been startling, even offensive- especially considering he was the Messiah! We have an image of God being mighty, glorious, etc.- and that is true! But, what does it say to you about who God is, that Jesus- who was God incarnate, took the time to specifically present himself in this way, and to perform the task of foot washing- something only those of lowly status would do. What does it say about God’s character? What does it say about God’s purpose and mission? Does this change anything with your understanding? If so, how and why? If not, describe when you began to embrace this other dimension of God and what that means to you. Take some time to consider what this means pertaining to God’s relationship with you. Pray, and give thanks for all of who God is, all of what God does, and all that God is to you.

Thursday: v.5 “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him”- Feet needed to be cleaned- open sandals, roads filled with dirt and manure- yuck. Customarily, the host would have a non-Jewish servant/slave wash the feet of the guests, as a gracious act of hospitality. At the Upper Room, there was no host and no servant to do this. The choice was to keep the feet dirty, or assume the presumed inferior position of servant and wash one another’s feet. As discussed yesterday, Jesus chooses to present himself as a lowly servant, taking on the menial task of washing the nasty dirty feet of his disciples.  Jesus bending low. Clean water becoming filthy, a clean towel becoming soiled and stained. In Luke 22:24 we learn that during that same meal a dispute arose between the disciples about which one was the greatest. This had happened several times before in the Gospels. Pride, arrogance, and competition for status is contrary to everything Jesus has been teaching and modeling, and yet they still struggled with it. Now, in the final hours before his arrest, Jesus gives a visual image of the expectation for their attitude and actions. This was a visual parable of humility and servanthood that would speak into their hearts and lives. The attitude of the disciples can rise up within us, often without us even noticing. Attitudes about others being somehow inferior because of what they do, tasks that are deemed below us, and much more. Consider your own attitudes and emotions that arise when you think about being a servant, serving others. How does that make you feel and why? V.6 “He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”- there is debate about whether Peter was first, last, or somewhere in-between. What is your thought about it? No matter which order, Peter speaks what the rest of the disciples are likely thinking. Perhaps a modern day rendition would say, “What do you think you’re doing?! You, of all people, are not going to do my feet!” This exchange continued, v.7-8a “Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” The original Greek language is very strong, a rebuke basically saying, “No way- never!” I imagine that in a sense, Peter was trying to honor Jesus, because in his sensibilities, his teacher, Lord- the Messiah, should not be acting as a servant to him. Yet, this was a proud humility, assuming he knew best, and he was equally impulsive, stubborn, disobedient, and even defiant. If God comes to you, wanting to do something in your life that you don’t understand, it doesn’t make sense to you, you have to be careful to avoid Peter’s response- impulsively reacting, and disobediently saying “no” to what God wants to do. Peter mistakenly tried to dictate the terms of his relationship with his Lord, with the incongruity of giving an order to his Master because he didn’t understand or agree.

Have you ever struggled with your idea of who God is, what God is doing, etc.- that it didn’t fit with your preconceived idea of what “should” be? Jesus turned the idea of Messiah upside down and inside out from what many believed he “should” be. Here, Jesus expresses love, compassion, humility, and servanthood. And with Peter, lots of patience. Years later, when Peter wrote his epistle, the lesson of this event was still speaking to his heart, saying “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

But shows favor to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5b-6). Take some time and explore your ideas about God. Jesus is the litmus test- God revealed in the flesh. Pray for revelation about anything in your life where you are not receiving what God is wanting to do. If something comes up, sift through it with God and discover what ideas and judgements are leading within you. If necessary, repent, and ask God to guide you to understanding and acceptance.  

Friday: v.8b “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me”-  the word “part” is meros in the original Greek, and is the same word used to describe the “share” of land that the twelve tribes of Israel were to receive in the Promised Land. It was a share that was physical and economical, but also spiritual. Here, Jesus is indicating that if Peter refuses to submit to Jesus to allow him to wash his feet, that gift to be given, then he would no longer have the promise of Christ and his kingdom. Peter, who had been a disciple for the past three years, who was the first to recognize and proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah, who had been ministering- healing, deliverance, preaching the good news! Humility, and a willingness to submit to Jesus, are vital in God’s kingdom. Those who follow Jesus must recognize and live into the servant-nature of following. The false humility that was prohibiting Jesus washing his feet would block Peter, as it is necessary to cooperate with what the Lord wants to do. This is clearly not talking about feet in the physical sense, but in a spiritual sense. The foot washing is pointing to the cross. (…)

V.9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and head as well!”- Peter got the message, and responded as we all must- I am open and willing. It’s a response that says, “I am not willing to give you up!” At the same time, it’s saying, “If it’s essential- let’s do it even more!” His response is extreme, and again, not what Jesus was asking to do. Peter is still struggling- washing feet didn’t seem acceptable, but if you have to do it then he suggests going past what the Lord was going to do, and do more. He is still trying to dictate the best way for Jesus. We must be open, willing, vulnerable, and submit to what God wants to do, and how. 

V.10a “Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean”- on a spiritual level, the person that is “saved”- justified- does not need to become saved again. As it says in Hebrews 10:14, “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” The Bible teaches that when we received Christ we were saved, are saved, and are being saved- the process of grace called sanctification. When you receive Christ it’s as if you have had a bath, washed clean. Later in the evening, Jesus gives more explanation saying, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (15:3). Sinning does not have people lose their salvation, but after salvation we have a desire to not sin. Sinning after salvation has a negative impact on our daily walk with the Lord. Growing in our sanctification is an ongoing process over our lifetime. The disciples’ “feet”- just like ours, must be cleaned- a continual submission to Christ, with confession and repentance, allowing ourselves to be washed clean by Jesus. Take a moment and pray, asking God to reveal to you if there is any “dirt on your feet” that he would like to clean. If something comes up, confess, repent, and allow the cleansing. Cooperate with what God wants to do within you. 

V.10b-11 “And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, that was why he said not every one was clean”- although Judas certainly betrays Jesus, and further in this chapter (13:21-27) Jesus identifies him as such, all the disciples eventually betray him. Even Simon Peter, after swearing that he never would, deserted Jesus when he was arrested in the garden, and denied him three times. And yet, Jesus washed all of the disciples’ feet- even Peter, even Judas. What does that say to you about Jesus’ heart and grace? What does that say to you about your relationship with Jesus? The relationship between Jesus and others? Take a moment and pray about it. Thank God for his amazing grace!   

Saturday: v.12a “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place”- he set aside the dirty water and the filthy towel, donned again the outer garment that he had laid aside, resembling a High Priest on the Day of Atonement, and joined them with table fellowship (where they will soon celebrate what we now practice as the sacrament of Holy Communion). In what ways does this imagery point to what Jesus did for us on the cross? V.12b-13 “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.”- truly, they did not yet understand. Jesus spends the next chapters (14-17) in what’s termed the “farewell discourse,” continuing to teach and reveal God’s heart and plan. The disciples often referred to Jesus as Rabbi, a title meaning teacher that is reserved for religious leaders. The original Greek for “Lord” here is kurios, which can also be translated as master. They know that Jesus is the Messiah, but they don’t quite understand what that means yet, including the deity of Jesus. They will come to understand fully after the resurrection. People can sometimes still think of Jesus this way- with lots of great teaching, and someone to follow and obey, but the full deity of Christ and what that means is not fully embraced. But Jesus is also divine- God incarnate! This is important, because Jesus is far more than just a moral teacher!

1. 14 “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”-  interesting that Jesus swapped the order to “Lord and Teacher.”- what do you think that means? Consider that “Lord” indicates authority, and “Teacher” points to instruction. “You should wash one another’s feet”- commitment to Jesus meant humble servanthood, requiring sacrificial love for one another- not just a feeling, but by attitude and action. For all believers this is true. It’s one thing to serve Jesus, but sometimes people struggle with the idea that serving Jesus means serving others. Think of the imagery- dirty feet, in need of sanctification. Too often Christians are known for criticizing the dirty feet of others, instead of washing them. Instead of judgment and condemnation, we are called to bring hope, healing, comfort, leading toward sanctification with the Word and prayer, etc.- all filled with grace! Remember that Jesus said “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (15:3). Consider that ministry, especially “washing dirty feet,” can be messy. How does that make you feel? Be honest- how moved are you by the “dirty feet” of others? How compelled are you to “wash their feet”? How difficult do you find it to bring a “basin, pitcher of water, and towel”- in whatever form is needed, to bring cleansing to others? Are there some for which it is easier than others? This is using imagery to describe, but how would you describe this in a real sense? Do you have any examples of when you did, and did not, do this? 

V.15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you”- learning by example, as Jesus lives out an object lesson, a parable, that informs how believers must minister in attitude and action. Too many profess to be believers, willing to trust Jesus with eternal salvation, but if we really are followers of Jesus Christ, then we do what Jesus did, following his example. V.16 “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him”- “Very truly” in the original Greek is “amén, amén” which emphasizes what follows, basically saying- “this is important- listen up!” The idea portrayed is that disciples of Jesus, including you and me, are not higher than Jesus and should never hold themselves above him. Jesus lowered himself and washed their dirty feet and by doing so, established a low ceiling for us. Pride and competition do not fit under this ceiling. All of this is not theory, but practice- something we are to live out. 

V.17 “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them”- understand the expectation, then actually do it! As disciples, that’s what we are called to do. This is not in order to earn our salvation, but in response to what Jesus has done for us. When we do what Jesus wants us to do, living as a disciple, we open ourselves to “be blessed”- to receive the fullness of God’s favor. When thinking of “blessing,” consider what Jesus taught in the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-11), which runs contradictory to what the world typically considers “blessing”- being rich, popular, etc. Jesus turns the world’s ideas upside down and inside out! Speak to anyone who has “washed dirty feet,” serving others in need in humility and love, and they will tell you the incredible blessing they received from doing so. How about you? Do you have a testimony of being blessed by serving others? Take a moment and pray about it, recalling those times and the blessings. Ask God if there are areas where you need to grow in this. Ask God if he is wanting you to step out in serving in some way. Is there a particular person or situation that God is bringing to mind? If so, ask for specifics, ask for encouragement, empowerment, and opportunity. Give thanks to God, who loves you and blesses you!

 

Other items:

Responsive Reading

Leader: You call us to serve one another, O God,

People: to serve joyfully, and freely.

L: You call us to serve one another, O God,

P: to serve without counting the cost.

L: You call us to serve one another, O God,

P: to serve when we would rather be served.

L: You call us to serve one another, O God,

P: to serve as followers of Jesus, 

the Suffering Servant who died for us.

All: May we serve others in Christ’s love and mercy.

 

Unison Prayer 

Compassionate and Merciful God,

Open our ears to hear the cries of humanity

Open our eyes with Your vision of love

Open our hands to serve others in humility

Open our hearts with Your unending grace

Open our spirits to move,

Walking in Your Spirit,

That people may know us by our love.

 

Song Lyrics:

By Our Love by Christy Nockels CCLI#5489329

Brothers, let us come together

Walking in the Spirit, there’s much to be done…

We will come reaching, out from our comforts

And they will know us by our love…

 

Sisters, we were made for kindness

We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us…

We will come reaching, with a song of healing…

And they will know us by our love!

 

The time is now

Come Church arise…

Love with His hands

See with His eyes…

Bind it around you,

Let it never leave you,

And they will know us by our love…

 

Children, You are hope for justice,

Stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above

You will be reaching, long after we’re gone,

And they will know you by your love!

 

The time is now

Come Church arise…

Love with His hands

See with His eyes…

Bind it around you,

Let it never leave you,

And they will know us by our love…

 

The time is now

Come Church arise…

Love with His hands

See with His eyes…

Bind it around you,

Let it never leave you,

And they will know us by our love…

 

Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service #581

1) Lord, whose love in humble service

Bore the weight of human need,

Who upon the cross, forsaken,

Offered mercy’s perfect deed:

We, your servants, bring the worship

Not of voice alone, but heart;

Consecrating to your purpose

Every gift that you impart.

 

2) Still your children wander homeless;

Still the hungry cry for bread;

Still the captives long for freedom;

Still in grief we mourn our dead.

As, O Lord, your deep compassion

Healed the sick and freed the soul,

Use the love your Spirit kindles

Still to save and make us whole.

 

3) As we worship, grant us vision,

Till your love’s revealing light

In its height and depth and greatness

Dawns upon our quickened sight,

Making known the needs and burdens

Your compassion bids us bear,

Stirring us to tireless striving,

Your abundant life to share.

 

4) Called by worship to your service,

Forth in your dear name we go,

To the child, the youth, the aged,

Love in living deeds to show;

Hope and health, good will and comfort,

Counsel, aid and peace we give,

That your servants, Lord, in freedom

May your mercy know and live.

 

Let It Start With Me by No Other Name CCLI#6222451

In the Streets of every village

Every city’s soaring tower

Empty people live in darkness

Every minute every hour

 

Hear the cry of desperation

From a billion broken hearts

With a need so great, where do we even start?

 

Let it start with me

Open up my eyes

Fill my heart with your compassion

Free my mind from all distractions

Use my hands, to set the captive free

Move my feet to follow after you

Lord change the world and let it start with me

 

You’ve given us the orders

There’s a place for everyone

I don’t wanna miss my mission

In the plan that you’ve begun

You have promised to go with me

To the edges of it all

And change everything that keeps me from your call

 

Let it start with me

Open up my eyes

Fill my heart with your compassion

Free my mind from all distractions

Use my hands, to set the captive free

Move my feet to follow after you

Lord change the world and let it start with me

Take my life, all I’ve called my own

Everything I am is Yours alone

 

Let it start with me

Open up my eyes

Fill my heart with your compassion

Free my mind from all distractions

Use my hands, to set the captive free

Move my feet to follow after you

Lord change the world and let it start with me

 

Open up my eyes

Fill my heart with your compassion

Free my mind from all distractions

Use my hands, to set the captive free

Move my feet to follow after you

Lord change the world and let it start with me

Let it start with me

 

 

Format (this is a repeat from last week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all):

Find a quiet place and time to focus on the Word, and to hear from God through it. It doesn’t have to be long, for some it will be longer than others. I encourage you, if possible, to do this practice in the morning. You will then find that God brings it to your mind throughout your day.

For greater impact I encourage you to get some paper and a pen and journal daily what thoughts and impressions God brings to mind. Write out also your own thoughts and your own prayers, making sure to leave space within your time for God’s response. Listen intently, and notice what rises up within you- what you are thinking, feeling, memories that arise and ideas that spring up. It may be something God would want you to address within yourself and/or with others. It may be something God is inspiring you to begin or end. God’s possibilities are infinite! After time, it is often beneficial to go back and read what you have written, and notice how God has been moving in your life (and praise God for it!).

Begin with prayer, quieting yourself within and opening up to hearing what God would like to reveal to you. Praise God for who he is, for loving you, being with you, and more. Then ask God to speak to you; to open your heart and mind to hear his message. (if you are journaling, you could write out the prayer)

Read the Scripture passage over twice; once as a read through, and the second time slowly, meditatively. Notice what God illuminates for you. Notice what words or ideas are “jumping off the page at you,” impacting you from the Scripture. Ask God why that is being highlighted for you. What is God saying to you? What is God asking you to say, do, change, pray about, etc.? What is the application for my life today? **Most importantly- what am I going to do about it? (If you are journaling you could write it all out, which reinforces it in a greater way)

I have put together some daily questions based upon the Scripture. You may use those, but also feel free to deviate away from it if God is leading you there. They are simply offered to prompt contemplation with God. There is much more in this passage, feel free to delve in more!

At the end of your time pray again. I recommend praying throughout, but the ending prayer would include praise, thanking God for revelation, and asking for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal, bringing to mind God’s will. Ask God for the courage, empowerment, and opportunity to do what you have determined God is asking you to do.