Lesson 13

An Example to Follow

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."   John 13:15

Read John Chapter 13

Jesus began his ministry at about 30 years old (Luke 3:23) which was the acceptable age for a Rabbi to enter the service of the Lord; and now sometime between 2-3 years later we are drawing closer to the end. It is just before the Passover Feast (when the Jews celebrated a remembrance of when the Angel of Death passed over them in Egypt) and Jesus is with his closest companions to have a final meal with them. Jesus knows he's about to go through an incredibly brutal, torturous death and yet his mind & heart is focused on loving and teaching his disciples.

I still grapple with images I've seen growing up in children's bibles, paintings, statues and even modern day movies of anything biblical and how pasteurized everything is, compared to the reality of the scriptures. So I try to stop and imagine what the scriptures are truly communicating, do research and compare it to modern day life and the emotions that go along with them. The American Cancer Society has published findings on "Emotions as you near the end of Life" and this is what they found. People experience fear, afraid to die, what is on the other side?. Anger, that life is ending- possibly shorter than expected. Guilt and regret, wishing to have treated people or done things differently. Grief, the loss of your life. Anxiety and depression, life is coming to an end. Loneliness, no one can relate to what you are going through. Seeking meaning, did my life have purpose or meaning? 

In Hebrews 4:15 it states clearly that Jesus was "tempted in every way-just as we are," and that He can "sympathize with our weaknesses," therefore He wrestled with the same thoughts and emotions as we do so that He could relate to us.

So, back to John chapter 13 and in verse 3 it announces that Jesus "knew that He was from God and that He was returning to God." Jesus was confident! And because of His love and confidence he was able to serve others, in this case He was serving by washing his friends feet. So what's the big thing with washing feet? In 1 Samuel 25;41 is the first example of the humility of a person being honored (Abigail) and yet offering to wash the feet of a servant. In the times of Jesus most people walked about in sandals and their feet became very dirty, so if you were entering the house of another, the host would offer you a bowl of water to wash your own feet or have their servant wash them. It was beneath a host to wash the feet of his guests!

Yet Jesus breaks all barriers and traditions by His example. He is The Teacher, Master, Lord and Son of God, yet His nature is a humble servant. What an incredible, real-life example! A leader who serves! Not only in good times when everything is hunky-dory but when he was hours away from being beaten and crucified to death. That's Jesus!

Who wouldn't want to be with a God who loves and sacrifices like that?

Some questions to ask:

1: Have you ever been afraid, hurt or angry? How did you treat others in that state?

2: When was the last time you did something kind for someone "who didn't "deserve" it?

3: In what ways can you be a "leader" by serving others? Maybe on your job. Maybe in your community.

4: How is your confidence in the after-life?