SERIES: THE PERSON OF CHRIST #4/7

#1 · March 15, 2010, 2:23 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on March 15, 2010, 2:23 pm
Posted by: bhfbc <bhfbc@...>

SERIES: THE PERSON OF CHRIST #4/7

SERVANTHOOD POWER

March 14, 2010

Text: John 13:1-17

A chief executive officer of a Fortune 500 company had just visited his doctor. The news wasn't good - a terminal illness. Knowing that his time on earth was coming to an end, he started thinking, What is the most important principle I can teach my associates? He wasn't like a lot of other executives; he really cared about those who worked closely with him. He called together his corporate vice-presidents for a luncheon meeting to brief them on his health and how he foresaw his death affecting the company. Before he had even started the meeting, a disagreement arose among them as to which man carried the most weight. To them, authority was equated with position. The CEO now knew what he needed to teach the men. He interrupted the discussion and told them about his health and how he expected the company to be run after his death.

Then he did a rather unusual thing. Having sent for a shoeshine kit which he kept in his office, he proceeded to shine their shoes! The room was silent - no one knew what to say. When he came to the man most likely to succeed him, that man refused the shine, saying it was beneath the dignity of the CEO to do such a thing. The CEO replied, If you won't let me shine your shoes, then clean out your desk - you're outta here. Because the man greatly respected his boss, he told him to do whatever he wanted. After each man's shoes were shined, he told the group that the most important thing he wanted to leave with them was demonstrated by the shining of their shoes. The principle was this: When you stoop to serve, you raise your level of authority and power.

We recognize that this story is simply a modern telling of John 13. Jesus put on display his servant nature. In this act of servanthood, Jesus gave the disciples an object lesson on the power of servanthood. Interesting and intriguing that it is captured in writing by only one of the Gospel writers.

Jesus did not perform this service as an isolated act. There was a specific concern with which he was dealing. Turn to Luke 22:24, which well look at in a moment. During his ministry with the disciples, there were occasions when problems arose. They were not problems with the Pharisees or teachers of the Law; they were not problems with the Roman authorities; they were not problems with large, demanding crowds. They were problems within the ranks of his very own twelve. They argued. Twelve grown men, living with and witnessing the wonders of the Son of the Living God, and they argued! Wouldnt happen today, would it? What did they argue and grumble about? Their position in the pecking order of the kingdom to come. In todays manner of speech, they squabbled over who would be next in command. Thats a matter of great importance, isnt it? Well, it is today in most cultures I know of, not the least our own.

How do you think the disciples approached it? Seniority, perhaps? Hey, you know we were the first ones he chose. We left our nets first, you know. In fact, Ive been with him the longest; guess that makes me number two! Maybe family relationships? Hey, Peters my brother, you know, and we all know how close he is with the Lord. Guess that puts me near the top of the heap! How about social status? Come on, Matthew, be serious. You were a tax-collector, of all things! Youre lucky to be here in the first place. We certainly would not have invited you. So, yeah, youre one of the twelve, but be real. You cant be top dog; just think how that would impact Jesus credibility and popularity. The bottom would drop right out of the popularity polls. Perhaps abilities? I know we dont have that much in the treasury, but Im still the manager of the money. I dont go around squandering it like some people I know. Man, if Jesus put some of you in charge, wed be bankrupt in a day! I guess we all know whos important in this organization!

Each time this type of dispute arose, Jesus would answer it soundly in a most surprising way. He would take a child, or point to a child, and remind his twelve that whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all - he is the greatest. And the disciples caught on and lived happily ever after. Right? Unfortunately, no; no more than we have caught on and put servanthood power into practice. Look now at Luke 22:24. They are at the Passover feast, that annual celebration of Gods deliverance of his people from bondage. They are telling and hearing the stories of what God, on His own initiative, did for His people enslaved in Egypt. They are in a worship service commemorating what God has done for them, and this is what they are talking about: Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest. Praise God for the patience He shows us.

Lets return to John 13. I can just imagine Jesus at this moment. Having some idea of the loneliness and the agony which he will soon experience, I can just see him hanging and shaking his head. I can hear him sighing and thinking to himself, Oh my foolish friends, will you never learn what it is thats really important? I can imagine the flash of insight he gets when his eyes spy the unused basin and towel. What an object lesson, he thinks. I will do for them that which no household servant or any of them did for me.

I can also imagine the disciples surprised response. Hey, whats he doing now? Thats the foot washing bowl. The servants are supposed to take care of that. They must have the night off; no one washed my feet. And you better believe Im not even going to think about washing old so-and-sos feet! Not after what he just said about me. Wait a minute! Jesus, what are doing? Your washing old so-and-sos feet! You cant do that! Youre the Master! Youre the Teacher! Youre the Lord! Oh, no. Hes coming over here to me. And we know how Peter responded. No, said Peter, you shall never wash my feet.

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. You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one anothers feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Jesus tells us point blank that we should be ready to serve others; no act or person should be beneath us. The Rev. Dr. John White of The Chapel Ministries in Wheaton, Illinois, recalls this experience: During seminary I was asked by the church we attended to teach an eighth-grade boys class for one quarter. When I arrived for my first Sunday, the boys were quick to tell me that they had already run off two teachers that year, and wondered how long I would last! I discovered it was the class no one wanted. Well, we had some discipline problems at first, but things improved. One Sunday my lesson was on John 13. I brought a pan of water and a towel to the room and set it to the side. No one asked what it was for, but I could tell they were curious. After I had explained the story, I brought the pan and towel into the middle of our circle. I asked for a volunteer to be the first to wash someone else's feet - silence; then some embarrassed laughter - no one was willing. I offered to wash their feet but no one would let me. We spent the rest of our time talking about our unwillingness. I obviously never forgot that lesson, and I hope those boys didn't either. Why weren't we willing? E. B. Meyer suggests two reasons: This failure arises partly because we do not love with a love like Christ's - a love which will brave resentment, annoyance, rebuke, in its quest - and partly because we are not willing to stoop low enough [my emphasis]. Jesus, their Teacher and Lord, stooped low enough for them. Now, all he asked was that they follow his example as their Master and stoop low enough for one another. (John White, 50-Day Spiritual Adventure Resource Notebook, Mainstay Resources, 2000, p. C147)

By one another, Jesus meant not just the Twelve, but all born-again Christians. Fathers and mothers are to serve their children as well as children serving their parents; brothers and sisters are to serve one another; the same is true of co-workers, neighbors, relatives, and so on. Serving includes having a right spirit toward others. Let us keep the picture and example of Jesus kneeling with his towel ever before us! And let us also think of Jesus feet: no one washed his feet that night! He didn't say, You ought to wash my feet. It takes humility to do this, doesn't it? Peter eventually learned his lesson, for he later wrote, Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

How do we implement this into our lives? Let's face it; we live in a society where I takes precedence. In other words, we want what we want when we want it, and we're willing to walk over anyone in our path. Take the somewhat recent phenomenon, road rage, for example. What's at the core of this behavior? It's my road, and anyone who slows me down, honks at me, cuts in front of me, or in any way interferes with my self-determined rights, better watch out! Our me first bent expresses itself in other areas such as our pushing and shoving to be first in line, refusing to do our share of chores around the house, or littering the highways with our trash. The instances are endless, and they touch all of life.

Jesus set the example for us by serving. People are searching for, and will respond to, a genuine expression of someone who truly cares for them. Imagine what changes might take place in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods if believers began demonstrating servanthood power by daring to care for people. Pastor Steve Sjogren, who wrote the book Conspiracy of Kindness: A Refreshing New Approach to Sharing the Love of Jesus with Others, says, Gods love must be communicated from person to person, not just from page to person. If his love could be sent through printed information alone, we could simply flood our cities with gospel tracts and then rest assured that we have done our part. Deeds of love allow us to sneak into the hearts of those we serve. Even though people arent conscious of whats happening, they are welcoming us and the God we represent into the fortress of their hearts. (50-Day Spiritual Adventure Resource Notebook, Mainstay Resources, 2000, p. C159) Jesus wants to care for and serve people through us!

What keeps us from adopting Jesus attitude of servanthood and humility? Psychiatrists and psychologists have been working on that one for years and have come up with numerous theories. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex issue, I think one answer is rather simple. We fear that we will be taken advantage of and made to look foolish. Were afraid that someone else will get the best of us on the job or at home or on the playing field. The truth is, someone will get an advantage over us - in a worldly sort of way. Jesus was taken advantage of, and I observe that he is still being taken advantage of. So we need not fear it because its a given; it will happen. It is Jesus who asks the question, Is the servant greater than his master? Jesus our Master has shown us what to do.

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun they all started out - not exactly with a dash, but with the relish to run the race to finish and win. All except one boy, who stumbled over the asphalt, tumbling over a couple of times. He began to cry. The other eight heard him cry. They slowed down and paused. Then they all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, This will make it better. Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for ten minutes.

Many times, being a Christian servant means doing something like that: listening for the one who is crying; turning around and going back for the one who needs Christian compassion; moving on toward the finish line without any regard for who is ahead. We're called by Jesus to be different. Washing someone's feet might seem a little weird to the family down the street, but how about caring for a new neighbor by mowing the lawn or supplying a meal on moving day? Perhaps we could offer to help a co-worker with a task, assist a classmate with a difficult assignment, baby-sit for a depressed mom who needs some space, visit a friend's relative in the hospital or even in jail, attend the funeral of an acquaintance, buy and install a new cordless phone for a shut-in, or bring a plate of cookies to a new neighbor.

The idea is to humbly dare to care for those who have yet to trust Jesus for eternal life. We don't need to worry about sharing the plan of salvation upfront, but one aim is to talk about our faith after a relationship has been established. As we genuinely stoop to serve those without Christ, we may just see people begin listening to the gospel as opportunities arise.

Earlier I said that when we stoop to serve we raise our level of authority and power. Jesus was popular with his disciples and with the people, and they followed him. Why? Because out of his authority and power, he served them with humility! A. B. Bruce writes, In the very act of playing the servant's part, He was asserting His sovereignty. They voluntarily obeyed because he had loved them to the uttermost, had taken care of them, delivered them, comforted them, encouraged them, taught them, given himself to them, and taken time to be with them. They were eager to follow, even when they did not always understand him.

Ray Stedman comments, We are called to demonstrate a different kind of authority, but what we've done is to import the world's view into the church.... [Jesus] instead taught that he who serves wins the hearts of others. We are called, as disciples, to lovingly and humbly serve one another. As Paul puts it in Galatians 5:13, serve one another in love. This admonition is especially true of those in positions of authority and power.

Jesus knew his identity as Lord, yet served with humility. When we dare to serve, we raise our level of authority and power. 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. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one anothers feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Rev. Charles A. Layne

First Baptist Church

179 W. Broadway

PO Box 515

Bunker Hill, IN 46914

765-689-7987

bhfbc@bhfirstbaptist.com

www.bhfirstbaptist.com

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Posted by: bhfbc <bhfbc@...>

SERVANTHOOD POWER

March 14, 2010

Text: John 13:1-17

A chief executive officer of a Fortune 500 company had just visited his doctor. The news wasn't good - a terminal illness. Knowing that his time on earth was coming to an end, he started thinking, What is the most important principle I can teach my associates? He wasn't like a lot of other executives; he really cared about those who worked closely with him. He called together his corporate vice-presidents for a luncheon meeting to brief them on his health and how he foresaw his death affecting the company. Before he had even started the meeting, a disagreement arose among them as to which man carried the most weight. To them, authority was equated with position. The CEO now knew what he needed to teach the men. He interrupted the discussion and told them about his health and how he expected the company to be run after his death.

Then he did a rather unusual thing. Having sent for a shoeshine kit which he kept in his office, he proceeded to shine their shoes! The room was silent - no one knew what to say. When he came to the man most likely to succeed him, that man refused the shine, saying it was beneath the dignity of the CEO to do such a thing. The CEO replied, If you won't let me shine your shoes, then clean out your desk - you're outta here. Because the man greatly respected his boss, he told him to do whatever he wanted. After each man's shoes were shined, he told the group that the most important thing he wanted to leave with them was demonstrated by the shining of their shoes. The principle was this: When you stoop to serve, you raise your level of authority and power.

We recognize that this story is simply a modern telling of John 13. Jesus put on display his servant nature. In this act of servanthood, Jesus gave the disciples an object lesson on the power of servanthood. Interesting and intriguing that it is captured in writing by only one of the Gospel writers.

Jesus did not perform this service as an isolated act. There was a specific concern with which he was dealing. Turn to Luke 22:24, which well look at in a moment. During his ministry with the disciples, there were occasions when problems arose. They were not problems with the Pharisees or teachers of the Law; they were not problems with the Roman authorities; they were not problems with large, demanding crowds. They were problems within the ranks of his very own twelve. They argued. Twelve grown men, living with and witnessing the wonders of the Son of the Living God, and they argued! Wouldnt happen today, would it? What did they argue and grumble about? Their position in the pecking order of the kingdom to come. In todays manner of speech, they squabbled over who would be next in command. Thats a matter of great importance, isnt it? Well, it is today in most cultures I know of, not the least our own.

How do you think the disciples approached it? Seniority, perhaps? Hey, you know we were the first ones he chose. We left our nets first, you know. In fact, Ive been with him the longest; guess that makes me number two! Maybe family relationships? Hey, Peters my brother, you know, and we all know how close he is with the Lord. Guess that puts me near the top of the heap! How about social status? Come on, Matthew, be serious. You were a tax-collector, of all things! Youre lucky to be here in the first place. We certainly would not have invited you. So, yeah, youre one of the twelve, but be real. You cant be top dog; just think how that would impact Jesus credibility and popularity. The bottom would drop right out of the popularity polls. Perhaps abilities? I know we dont have that much in the treasury, but Im still the manager of the money. I dont go around squandering it like some people I know. Man, if Jesus put some of you in charge, wed be bankrupt in a day! I guess we all know whos important in this organization!

Each time this type of dispute arose, Jesus would answer it soundly in a most surprising way. He would take a child, or point to a child, and remind his twelve that whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all - he is the greatest. And the disciples caught on and lived happily ever after. Right? Unfortunately, no; no more than we have caught on and put servanthood power into practice. Look now at Luke 22:24. They are at the Passover feast, that annual celebration of Gods deliverance of his people from bondage. They are telling and hearing the stories of what God, on His own initiative, did for His people enslaved in Egypt. They are in a worship service commemorating what God has done for them, and this is what they are talking about: Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest. Praise God for the patience He shows us.

Lets return to John 13. I can just imagine Jesus at this moment. Having some idea of the loneliness and the agony which he will soon experience, I can just see him hanging and shaking his head. I can hear him sighing and thinking to himself, Oh my foolish friends, will you never learn what it is thats really important? I can imagine the flash of insight he gets when his eyes spy the unused basin and towel. What an object lesson, he thinks. I will do for them that which no household servant or any of them did for me.

I can also imagine the disciples surprised response. Hey, whats he doing now? Thats the foot washing bowl. The servants are supposed to take care of that. They must have the night off; no one washed my feet. And you better believe Im not even going to think about washing old so-and-sos feet! Not after what he just said about me. Wait a minute! Jesus, what are doing? Your washing old so-and-sos feet! You cant do that! Youre the Master! Youre the Teacher! Youre the Lord! Oh, no. Hes coming over here to me. And we know how Peter responded. No, said Peter, you shall never wash my feet.

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. You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one anothers feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Jesus tells us point blank that we should be ready to serve others; no act or person should be beneath us. The Rev. Dr. John White of The Chapel Ministries in Wheaton, Illinois, recalls this experience: During seminary I was asked by the church we attended to teach an eighth-grade boys class for one quarter. When I arrived for my first Sunday, the boys were quick to tell me that they had already run off two teachers that year, and wondered how long I would last! I discovered it was the class no one wanted. Well, we had some discipline problems at first, but things improved. One Sunday my lesson was on John 13. I brought a pan of water and a towel to the room and set it to the side. No one asked what it was for, but I could tell they were curious. After I had explained the story, I brought the pan and towel into the middle of our circle. I asked for a volunteer to be the first to wash someone else's feet - silence; then some embarrassed laughter - no one was willing. I offered to wash their feet but no one would let me. We spent the rest of our time talking about our unwillingness. I obviously never forgot that lesson, and I hope those boys didn't either. Why weren't we willing? E. B. Meyer suggests two reasons: This failure arises partly because we do not love with a love like Christ's - a love which will brave resentment, annoyance, rebuke, in its quest - and partly because we are not willing to stoop low enough [my emphasis]. Jesus, their Teacher and Lord, stooped low enough for them. Now, all he asked was that they follow his example as their Master and stoop low enough for one another. (John White, 50-Day Spiritual Adventure Resource Notebook, Mainstay Resources, 2000, p. C147)

By one another, Jesus meant not just the Twelve, but all born-again Christians. Fathers and mothers are to serve their children as well as children serving their parents; brothers and sisters are to serve one another; the same is true of co-workers, neighbors, relatives, and so on. Serving includes having a right spirit toward others. Let us keep the picture and example of Jesus kneeling with his towel ever before us! And let us also think of Jesus feet: no one washed his feet that night! He didn't say, You ought to wash my feet. It takes humility to do this, doesn't it? Peter eventually learned his lesson, for he later wrote, Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

How do we implement this into our lives? Let's face it; we live in a society where I takes precedence. In other words, we want what we want when we want it, and we're willing to walk over anyone in our path. Take the somewhat recent phenomenon, road rage, for example. What's at the core of this behavior? It's my road, and anyone who slows me down, honks at me, cuts in front of me, or in any way interferes with my self-determined rights, better watch out! Our me first bent expresses itself in other areas such as our pushing and shoving to be first in line, refusing to do our share of chores around the house, or littering the highways with our trash. The instances are endless, and they touch all of life.

Jesus set the example for us by serving. People are searching for, and will respond to, a genuine expression of someone who truly cares for them. Imagine what changes might take place in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods if believers began demonstrating servanthood power by daring to care for people. Pastor Steve Sjogren, who wrote the book Conspiracy of Kindness: A Refreshing New Approach to Sharing the Love of Jesus with Others, says, Gods love must be communicated from person to person, not just from page to person. If his love could be sent through printed information alone, we could simply flood our cities with gospel tracts and then rest assured that we have done our part. Deeds of love allow us to sneak into the hearts of those we serve. Even though people arent conscious of whats happening, they are welcoming us and the God we represent into the fortress of their hearts. (50-Day Spiritual Adventure Resource Notebook, Mainstay Resources, 2000, p. C159) Jesus wants to care for and serve people through us!

What keeps us from adopting Jesus attitude of servanthood and humility? Psychiatrists and psychologists have been working on that one for years and have come up with numerous theories. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex issue, I think one answer is rather simple. We fear that we will be taken advantage of and made to look foolish. Were afraid that someone else will get the best of us on the job or at home or on the playing field. The truth is, someone will get an advantage over us - in a worldly sort of way. Jesus was taken advantage of, and I observe that he is still being taken advantage of. So we need not fear it because its a given; it will happen. It is Jesus who asks the question, Is the servant greater than his master? Jesus our Master has shown us what to do.

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun they all started out - not exactly with a dash, but with the relish to run the race to finish and win. All except one boy, who stumbled over the asphalt, tumbling over a couple of times. He began to cry. The other eight heard him cry. They slowed down and paused. Then they all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, This will make it better. Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for ten minutes.

Many times, being a Christian servant means doing something like that: listening for the one who is crying; turning around and going back for the one who needs Christian compassion; moving on toward the finish line without any regard for who is ahead. We're called by Jesus to be different. Washing someone's feet might seem a little weird to the family down the street, but how about caring for a new neighbor by mowing the lawn or supplying a meal on moving day? Perhaps we could offer to help a co-worker with a task, assist a classmate with a difficult assignment, baby-sit for a depressed mom who needs some space, visit a friend's relative in the hospital or even in jail, attend the funeral of an acquaintance, buy and install a new cordless phone for a shut-in, or bring a plate of cookies to a new neighbor.

The idea is to humbly dare to care for those who have yet to trust Jesus for eternal life. We don't need to worry about sharing the plan of salvation upfront, but one aim is to talk about our faith after a relationship has been established. As we genuinely stoop to serve those without Christ, we may just see people begin listening to the gospel as opportunities arise.

Earlier I said that when we stoop to serve we raise our level of authority and power. Jesus was popular with his disciples and with the people, and they followed him. Why? Because out of his authority and power, he served them with humility! A. B. Bruce writes, In the very act of playing the servant's part, He was asserting His sovereignty. They voluntarily obeyed because he had loved them to the uttermost, had taken care of them, delivered them, comforted them, encouraged them, taught them, given himself to them, and taken time to be with them. They were eager to follow, even when they did not always understand him.

Ray Stedman comments, We are called to demonstrate a different kind of authority, but what we've done is to import the world's view into the church.... [Jesus] instead taught that he who serves wins the hearts of others. We are called, as disciples, to lovingly and humbly serve one another. As Paul puts it in Galatians 5:13, serve one another in love. This admonition is especially true of those in positions of authority and power.

Jesus knew his identity as Lord, yet served with humility. When we dare to serve, we raise our level of authority and power. 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. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one anothers feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Rev. Charles A. Layne

First Baptist Church

179 W. Broadway

PO Box 515

Bunker Hill, IN 46914

765-689-7987

bhfbc@bhfirstbaptist.com

http://www.bhfirstbaptist.com

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