Serving Others
“He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” John 13:5
Foot washing in Israel was viewed as a most menial task, one usually left for slaves or for the lowest in the household. That Christ should undertake to do this work should not surprise us.
He testified that as the Son of man, he had come, not to be ministered unto, but to minister (Matthew 20:28). He is the shepherd who cares for and carries His sheep. He is the great encourager, helper, acquaintance, and husband of His people and He is the servant willing to serve.
Christ served out of infinite love. He served willingly and gladly. No one pressed the Saviour to serve in this way. He served humbly and quietly. Some of the disciples were proud men at times, sometimes arguing who would be the greatest in the kingdom. In contrast, Christ was marked with the greatest humility.
In taking the towel and washing His disciples’ feet, Christ has left us a pattern of true Christian service. The customs and cultures are different and therefore we do not need to literally wash each other’s feet, but servants of Christ must serve as Christ served. It is a Christian’s joy to minister unto others. In this respect the scriptural principle, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” is important. We serve God as we serve others. It may be that opportunities to serve the Lord involve small and menial tasks in places that are not noticed by many. They may involve sacrifice and appear to go unrewarded, but as God gives us opportunity, let us, like our Saviour, serve with our whole heart. If Christ can take a towel and wash His disciples’ feet, if He can step from heaven to earth and die for us as God’s worthy servant, surely there is nothing we should not be willing and ready to do for Him.
Quote: How few Christians really believe their Master, who said that the greatest disciples are those who serve their brethren. – Alexander Simpson
Daily devotions are from the book “Eagle’s Wings” published by the Free Presbyterian Church. © Free Presbyterian Church 1991- All Rights Reserved.
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, January 16, 2022
9:55 a.m. Sunday school
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
– Dr. Saunders SermonAudio Link
5:50 p.m. Pre-service Prayer
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship
– Dr. Saunders SermonAudio Link
Weekly Announcements
Wednesday, January 19th
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer
Thursday, January 20th
6:00 p.m. Session Meeting
7:30 p.m. Session and Board Meeting
Saturday, January 22nd
7:00 p.m. Connect Group
Advanced Announcements
Sunday, January 23rd
9:55 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
5:50 p.m. Pre-service Prayer
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship
January 24th – 28th
7:30 p.m. Week of Prayer
Institute for Creation Research
The Shorter Catechism
A: The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners,1 and of building them up in holiness and comfort,2 through faith, unto salvation.3
1. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (Psalms 19:7).
2. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. (1Thessalonians 1:6).
3. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. (Romans 1:16).
The Children's Catechism - History
Q44: How were the first-born of the Israelites saved?
A: By the blood of the lamb sprinkled on their doors.
