The night before Jesus was crucified, he washed his disciples’ feet. Then he turned to them and said, “…you also should wash one another’s feet.” Everyone in the room looked on with a panicked disbelief. Anyone who takes Jesus seriously today still reads this account with extreme discomfort. We are more than a little hesitant about serving, and for various good reasons.
“Won’t people take advantage of me?” Yes, they absolutely will. People took advantage of Jesus. In fact, people have disregarded and disdained what Jesus did for them for 2000 years in epic proportions. He knew they would do that. But he served anyway – all the way to the cross.
“I can’t change anyone’s life. Whatever I do for someone else, it won’t make a difference?” Jesus seems to think differently. Actually, he said it’s not you or me working the change, that’s God’s job. We are just called to serve.
“But I don’t want to serve!” The embarrassing truth is that rather than serving, we want others to serve us! That is why being a follower of Jesus Christ makes us different, very different.
Serving requires effort, patience, perseverance, and courage. But it is what Christians do because it is what Christ did for us. It is a radical alternative to the wildly popular self-centered life of our postmodern world!
Serving may not be high on your priority list right now, but if you are serious about living a consistent Christ-centered life, then at some point it will be. And one more thought. Jesus said “If you serve, you will be blessed.” Being blessed by Jesus…isn’t that worth giving some thought?
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00 am