STUDY NOTES AUGUST 28, 2011

Transcription

1 STUDY NOTES AUGUST 28, 2011 SERVING LIKE JESUS o This message will focus on three time periods. First century A.D The future LET S BEGIN WITH ONE NIGHT IN THE FIRST CENTURY. Our theme picture Some might wonder what this was all about. o It comes from John 13. This is the account of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. In our modern days, this seems kind of odd. o What s all this foot washing business about? Washing feet was a sign of welcoming hospitality. Because of the sandals and the dusty roads, people s feet would be dirty. o Practically speaking The style of table. We are used to the Leonardo Da Vinci painting of the Last Supper

2 But this picture is more accurate: The table was very low much like the eastern style. o The people sat on the floor, leaning on pillows, with their feet behind them. Dirty feet would be very close to the food and other people. Therefore, the feet needed to be washed. John 13:1-17 (NIV) 1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, 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, A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his 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 I tell you the truth, 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. Serve when you re hurting. V. 1 John 13:1 (NIV) 1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.[Jesus time was a reference to His glorification which included His suffering and crucifixion. Up to this point Jesus had lived under the protection of God the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. [In the expectation of the pain ahead, Jesus will show His servant love to the disciples.]

3 Life is filled with suffering. o In many ways, it is the constant shadow that is cast over us. o If we wait until we are living on Easy Street, we will never develop a lifestyle of service. Certainly at times, we are limited in our service due to depleted physical, emotional, or financial resources. But we can find ways to serve anyway. Serve those who hurt you. V. 2 John 13:2 (NIV) 2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. If you look at vs , you will notice that Jesus already knew Judas was going to betray Him. o And yet he washed his feet. He showed Judas the full extent of His love. It s normally pretty easy to serve those we like. o This is basic human nature. But to serve those who we don t like so much, now that s real service. o People who have betrayed us. We often want to teach a lesson to those who have hurt us. o We feel it would be weak to serve them. But the values of the kingdom of God often appear weak. The reward for serving those who hurt you Freedom. You will not be in bondage to them anymore. Serve even if you re a person of importance. Vs. 3-4 John 13:3-4 (NIV) 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. [It was the duty of the lowest servant in the household to wash the feet of the guests. In fact, according to Jewish tradition, even a rabbi had no right to expect his disciples to wash his feet. And yet the rabbi Jesus stooped down to wash their feet.] Think about how important Jesus was --- Colossians 1:16 (NIV) 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. We may think we re important...prestigious job, thriving business owner, smart, beautiful, athletic...but we re not important...only Jesus is important!..and our importance comes solely from being in Him. Serve in the mundaneness of life. V. 4-5 John 13:4-5 (NIV) 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 So often we look for extraordinary ways to serve. o Living in a thatched hut and serving as a missionary in Africa. This is awesome. o But there is also power in the little things...the mundane things of life.

4 Let s now move from the first century to o The average cost of a new car - $1500 o Gasoline cost a whopping 19 cents a gallon o The popular movie at the drive in was The African Queen with Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart o And on television, everyone was in love with I Love Lucy Up in the northwest corner of the USA was the small town of Stanwood. o Named after the founder of the town s wife s family. In Pictsweet Foods occupied the former Carnation Milk building. Where the main crop was peas and corn.

5 In the winter of 1951, Stanwood was flooded by the Stillaguamish and Skagit River. o The flood waters even reached the Twin City High School.

6 Across from Stanwood was Camano Island. o It was on this island, on the wrong side of the island, that an amazing work was being done. That work was the building of Camano Chapel. These builders were servants. o They had a big vision, and they carried it out. Nail upon nail, board upon board.

7 And on Aug. 27, 1951, Billy Graham came to dedicate the Chapel. o 3,000 people came. o The State patrol came to direct traffic. o And cars were parked across the street.

8 It was fitting that Billy Graham came to serve this island for the special celebration. And a new church was born. o All because of the selfless service of a hand full of people.

9 Let s now move from 1951 and go back to the future. The future: o What kind of church will we be in the future, perhaps 60 yrs. from now, or 75 or 100? I have no idea, but if we staying true to serving in the love of Christ, and sharing the message of Christ, we ll be relevant and alive for those days!

10 Life Application Let s continue into the fall season with more intentional acts of service. Serve on a weekly basis by doing something you would not normally do. People will be blessed! The A B C's of Salvation A. Accept you are a sinner. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) B. Believe Jesus died for your sins. If you confess with your mouth, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) C. Confess your sins. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) For further study - A more detailed copy of this sermon, and maps/charts/photos can be found at (Posted by 4 P.M. today) THIS WEEK S STUDY: JOSHUA 8