Strength through Service

Today's Three-minute Bible Study
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Title: The Strength through Service ------------------- Date: 5/4/2003
Keywords: “service”
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Passage: John 13:12-15*

12. And so when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?

13. "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am.

14. "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

15. "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.

Questions

1. Foot-washing was a chore reserved for the lowliest servant in the first century world. Why did Jesus wash His disciples' feet?

 

2. What does He mean when He tells His disciples that they are to wash each others' feet?

 

Practical help

Jesus served as the model Servant when He washed His twelve apostles' feet. He — the Savior and Lord — got down on His knees to wipe the filth and grime off the feet of twelve grown men. What does He mean to say to us when He tells us to "wash each others' feet"?

He means that we are called to serve each other! Christians follow Jesus best when they serve those around them most zealously. (Click here if you want to find out how to become a Christian). And Christians are healthiest when they are following Jesus closely.

One pastor surveyed his congregation, asking the question, "How has your service in this church or your service to people you know affected your spiritual growth?" Of those who responded, 92% said that their service had been of benefit to them in their walk with Christ. While not terribly scientific, such a result is what we would have expected. Christians grow when they serve. (from Leadership Journal, Summer, 2003)

When Jesus told us to wash each others' feet, He wasn't telling us to do something that would only benefit the person we are serving. Service brings spiritual maturity to the servant! Diligent service adds one more tool to the toolbox of ways to combat involvement with porn. Service to others will help you grow in Christ!

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*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."