The Obedience of a Servant

Introduction:

If you were to describe yourself in just two words, what would they be? Powerful and dynamic? Gifted and visionary? How about gentle and humble? Probably for most of us, these words did not even enter our minds as an option. If those words had entered our mind, we probably would have rejected them for the sake of sounding prideful and impressive. Ironically, there are very few words that Jesus used to describe Himself. In Matthew 11:29, Christ specifically said about himself, “…I am gentle and humble.” One might expect Christ to describe Himself as all-powerful, all-knowing, or all-wise; and he has every right to describe Himself with those words, but he chose not to. These two words, gentle and humble are the blueprint of Christ’s character, a pattern that he wants us to use in our own lives as we strive to be obedient to Him.


I. SELF-DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden in light (Mt.11:29, ESV)

A. Gentle

1. The term that Matthew uses for gentle speaks of strength under control. Earlier when speaking about the beatitudes that same word is used; it was used of a wild stallion that has been tamed.

2. It is also the same word used to describe how a soothing ointment takes the sting out of a wound. What a perfect picture of Christ’s character!

B. Humble

1. The term Matthew uses for humble means “to be made low,” It refers to “the small and insignificant services by which one can help the other.”

2. Basically, this word humble is a servant word, one that has unselfishness and thoughtfulness mixed in with it.

3. Together, the qualities of gentleness and humility form the unusual image of the most powerful life ever lived. And it’s that same image that the Father is committed to forming in each one of us. Romans 8:28-29 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed into the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (ESV)


II. CASE STUDY: WASHING THE DISCIPLES FEET (John 13:1-17)

A. Background Information

1. In John 13, we find one of the most indelible pictures of Jesus’ humility and gentleness in all of Scripture.

2. The scene is set in a borrowed guest room of a 1st century home in Jerusalem. In that day, the dusty paths and dirty streets demanded a host or servant at the door to wash the people’s feet as the entered the home. On those occasions that there was no servant to do this chore, someone would often volunteer to fulfill this role.

3. As the disciples gathered in the Upper Room with Jesus to celebrate the Passover, not one of them volunteered to fulfill this role of foot-washing. It seems that Peter, John, and Matthew, and rest where arguing about who among them would be the greatest in Christ’s kingdom (cf. Luke 22:24-30)

4. Imagine Jesus’ disappointment. For 3 years he had taught them of servanthood, demonstrated it for them, and poured out his life as an example of servanthood; yet they still have not caught onto the concept that the kingdom of heaven is about serving.



B. 3 Observations about serving others

It is interesting that Jesus used something common to their culture (footwashing) to demonstrate how they were to serve others.

1. Being a servant is unannounced (13:4-10)

a. When Jesus arose from the table, he did not say, “now, I am going to get up and wash your feet.” He got up, grabbed a towel and basin and began washing the disciple’s feet.

b. True servanthood is unannounced and does not draw attention to itself with loud proclamation and gaudy actions.

c. Consider what the Pharisees used to do: “they do all their deeds to be noticed by men.” Jesus warned his disciples against following their patterns. He told his disciples, “..but the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Mt.23:5-7, 11-12)

2. Being a servant includes receiving graciously as well as giving graciously (13:8)

a. Notice Peter’s pronouncement when Jesus approached him, “Never shall you wash my feet.” (John 13:8) For Peter the thought of Christ serving Him was unthinkable. But why?

b. If we were honest, most of us would admit that it is much more comfortable to give than it is to receive. Receiving means admitting that we have a need, and that rubs our pride the wrong way.

3. Being a servant is not a sign of inner weakness, but incredible strength (13:9-17)

a. Jesus did not hesitate to tell Peter that if he did not allow him to wash his feet, then they were through!

b. Only someone with tremendous inner strength would have the courage to confront a close friend like that. And of course, we all probably remember Peter’s response, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.”

C. Admonition to the disciples

1. When Jesus finished washing the disciples feet, he sits back and asks them the question, “do you know what I have done?” The disciples, I am sure were thinking that this is a strange question, of course we know what you have done, we have watched you.

2. But Jesus question was not so simple , it was designed to be below the surface and teach them a valuable lesson.

3. The disciples probably thought, after pondering on the situation for a minute, that Jesus was going to tell them that they must be willing to wash his feet too. But Jesus comes to a different conclusion and tells them that as I have washed your feet so also you should wash the feet of others.

4. If Jesus has asked any one of the disciples to get up and wash His feet, that person would not have thought twice about it. In fact, any one of the disciples would have been honored to do that. But the lesson is that we should be eager to wash the feet of our neighbors or of those who are sick and needy among us.

D. Applying Christ’s Teaching

1. Obedience means personal involvement

Servanthood requires that we stoop down, that we get wet, that we get involved in meeting the needs of others in a person way.



2. Obedience requires Christlike unselfishness

Often times we hesitate to serve, not because we don’t know how, but because by doing so would mean risking, stepping out of our comfort zones.

3. Obedience results in ultimate happiness

The joy of serving is only for those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and wash a few feet. It will not happen about theorizing about serving; we’ve got to get involved in the same gentle and humble way Jesus did.