For the last several weeks I have been talking about Christ's Church and specifically the mission He has for His Church, which is to reconcile the world back into a relationship with the Father. The idea of these messages is that when we center our lives around this mission and follow Him, we will be building a foundation for a satisfying and successful Christian life. 

When a person is saved from their sin by Christ Jesus they are not just saved from something but saved to something. God not only wants me to center my entire life on Him, but He also wants me to contribute something back. Anyone can feed the hungry and help the poor, but to do these things in the name of Jesus is something totally different. 

(John 13:12-17) (HCSB)

12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example  that you also should do just as I have done for you. 16 “I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 

Jesus is our best example of how to serve. He said the greatest among anyone will be the one who serves others (Matthew 23:11).His reason for coming into the world in the first place was not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). He did this by giving His life on the cross for the sin of the world. In our passage this morning we will look at several characteristics of what it means to be a Christ-like servant. What does this kind of servant look like? 

Servants know who they are

The dusty and dirty conditions of this region meant that foot washing was a necessary action. The disciples would have had no problem with washing Jesus feet, but they would have detested washing each others feet. Foot washing was reserved for the lowliest of servants. Peers did not wash one another's feet except in very rare occasions. When Jesus moved to wash their feet, they were shocked. 

The Apostle Peter spoke up and reprimanded Jesus. Peter failed to see beyond the humble service to the symbolism of spiritual cleansing involved (Verse 7) (1 John 1:7-9). Jesus responded and made His point clear by saying "Unless the Lamb of God cleanses a person's life, one can have no part with Him." 

Atonement is complete at salvation, but all who have been cleansed by God's gracious justification need constant washing in the experiential sense, because of their battle with sin in the flesh. We as Christians have salvation, but still need sanctification and personal righteousness (Philippians 3:12-14). We are not perfect. We need Christ. Love is not a suggestion or a duty, it is who we are. We can't serve without first loving. 

Servants meet needs

Jesus often met the need of the moment (John 13:5). The disciples feet needed to be cleansed so he took a towel and basin and stooped to wash their feet. Jesus was not only serving them, He was teaching them. In this one act He was helping them understand the salvation He offered. When we meet the needs of others we must serve in Christ's name. The main goal is spreading the Gospel. 

Servants serve imperfect people

There are several examples of the kind of people Jesus chose and served. There are the disciples who argued at the table about who the greatest was (Luke 22:24). Judas Iscariot (John 13:2), the man that led the angry mob to Jesus to be arrested. Then there is the Apostle Peter (John 13:8-9) who often reprimanded Jesus. We are no different than any of these. We too are imperfect. 

Servants are humble

Jesus showed us humility when He washed the disciples feet. Servants don’t look for recognition. They serve because Jesus did.