PARTICIPATE // NOVEMBER 16, 2023
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
John 13:8-9
Peter watched Jesus washing the disciples' feet and was disturbed. This was his leader, his master, and he didn't understand. So Peter interrupted him with a strong double negative: by no means should you wash my feet – never! But Jesus' response changed Peter's mind, and he offered his whole body to be washed. Jesus was submissive to the father and taught the disciples how to have a submissive spirit.
How often do we wrestle with God because we don't want to submit? To be submissive, we must be able to give and receive for God's glory. It's a position of strength, not weakness. When Jesus said "unless I wash you, you have no part with me," the translation of the word "part" is meros, which carries with it the meaning of participation. Jesus is calling us to make a difference together, to build his church (people) on earth. That requires us to live openhanded by serving others.
Are you participating with God? You can make a kingdom impact building up others! Your life would not be impacted if someone else didn't get up every Sunday, preparing for your arrival. Your life would not be impacted if someone hadn't taken the time to pray for you, talk with you, tell you who Jesus is. Now that you know, who are you building? Get involved. You can participate and impact others' lives. Volunteer on a team at church, pray for someone else, speak into their lives the way someone spoke into yours. When you serve others, you reflect the love of God. You can experience God's grace and learn how to give it to others. Don't settle for just getting to heaven when you can help bring heaven to earth.
I WANT TO SERVE