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NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!

JESUS OUR EXAMPLE OF SERVANTHOOD

Introduction:

It is important for us as believers to serve the LORD! (We are saved to serve!)

I find that many Christians are more interested in being served than in serving!

Not only is it important to serve the Lord, but it is also important how we serve the LORD!

Don't be like the new convert. He had just gotten saved and was rough around the edges and very uncouth, but he had great enthusiasm. He bugged the pastor to death wanting a place of service in the church.

Finally, the pastor, thinking he was giving enough instruction, said, "Okay. Here are the names of ten inactive church members. Some are prominent citizens of the town. Here is some church stationary. See if you can get these people back in church."

The new convert accepted the challenge. About three weeks after the letters went out, the church received a letter from a prominent physician in the city. His name had been on the list. Inside the letter was a check for one thousand dollars and this note:

Dear Preacher:

Enclosed is my check for one thousand dollars to make up for my missing church so much. But be assured that I will be present this coming Lord's Day and each Lord's Day following. I will not, by choice, miss services again.

Sincerely,

M.B. Jones MD

P.S. Would you please tell your secretary that there is only one "t" in dirty and no "c" in skunk.

1.         There is something very important that we can learn about Jesus by looking at His life:

            Jesus was Himself a servant and He lived to serve others with a servant's heart.

2.         In the chapters 13-17 of John, we find the Lord with His disciples. These chapters record Jesus' last words prior to His going to the cross. In them we find Jesus doing several things:

            a.         He is teaching His disciples some important things they needed to know.

            b.         He is comforting their broken hearts.

            c.         He is telling them about the things that are to come.

We see that Jesus was most concerned about their heart. He wanted them to have a servant's heart.

You see, they didn't understand. They were typical humans. They thought that greatness consisted in being in high position.

But, what Jesus taught them went counter to all of that. Jesus taught them that greatness is measured by the yardstick of service.

3.         We need servants in the Lord's work today.

            What we need in the church are more disciples with a servant's heart.

            (Exp. Remember the prodigal son....when he came back home had a servant's heart.)

4.         Those with a servant's heart make a difference in the lives of others.

            a.         They are aware of needs around them.

            b.         They are personally concerned with the needs around them.

"You never lighten another's load unless you have felt the pressure in your own soul." Alan Redpath

5.         This passage is a tremendous section on servanthood.

I.         THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS.

            A.        His Determination In His Servanthood.

What ever else the disciples might remember about Jesus, I guarantee you that they would remember this night when the Son of God rose from supper, laid aside his garments, took a towel and girded himself, poured water into a basin and began to wash their feet and wipe them with the towel.

                        1.         His Determination Is Seen In His Awareness.

                                    a.         He knew what the hour was. (Vs. 1)

John 12:31, "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out."

He knew He would soon die on the cross. Yet, His focus was on others.

                                    b.        He knew where the hypocrisy was. (Vs. 2)

                                                Don't let anyone tell you that Judas slipped up on Jesus.

                                                He knew him from the beginning!

Several days earlier Judas had made an agreement to deliver Jesus to the Chief priests for 30 pieces of silver. That was the price of a slave.

Note the Love of Jesus! He included Judas in this foot washing!

Look at the contrast...Judas will betray Jesus so that He is killed...Jesus includes him now. This demonstrates the love of Jesus even for a traitor. He loves unconditionally!

                                                Listen..Don't be bothered with why Jesus loved Judas.

I've got an even greater perplexity: Why does He love me?!

There is no answer to that! He loves us because He loves us. Certainly, it is not because we are loveable.

                                    c.         He knew where the honor was. (Vs 3)

All things were given into Jesus’ hands by the Father, because Jesus humbled Himself as a servant!

It was the honor of Jehovah to complete this work of salvation.

                                    d.        He knew where the hearts were. (Vs 6-10)             

At first, Peter missed the meaning of what Jesus was trying to teach the disciples.

                                    His Determination Is Seen In His Awareness. 

                        2.         His Determination Is Seen In His Actions. (Vs 4-5)

He washed their feet. He didn't have to do this. After all, as a servant, He was about to die for them!

                        His Determination In His Servanthood.

            B.        His Demonstration Of His Servanthood (Vs 4-15)

                        Jesus performed a menial task which Jewish masters required of their slaves.

                         Look at Jesus’ words in verse 7. The understanding would come later!

                        What a scene? The Creator on His knees, washing their feet!

                         This was the work of a slave..not a Master!

Why did Jesus do this? You see, the disciples had a problem. They did not understand. They did not have a concept of true greatness.

In Luke 22:24, we find the disciples were arguing over who was to assume the leading positions in Jesus' government when He took over the kingdom.

The Bible clearly tells us that they were arguing over the greater seats in the kingdom. They wanted position.

                                    Jesus came did not come to give men position!

                                    Jesus does not call men to preach to give them position!

                                    Jesus does not call men and women to work for him to give them position!

                        He was demonstrating servanthood!

                        He was demonstrating that...

                                    The way to royalty is service.

                                    The way to greatness is ministry.

                                    The way to power is humility.

                                    The way to position is serving.

                                    The way to rule is by giving.

            SO WE SEE THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS...

II.       THE EXPECTATION OF JESUS (v. 15)

            A.        Jesus Expects True Servanthood.

                        Remember, TRUE greatness is measured with the yardstick of service.

                        Unwillingness to take a subordinate place wrecks the work of God.

                        1.         Servanthood is based on knowledge. (Vs. 1, 3)

                        2.         Servanthood is actuated by love.

                                    a.         Love is best proved by service.

                                    b.        Love is destroyed by slander.

Sometimes we are like the woman I read about who wrote to a daily paper from a very lonely rural spot: "My sister and I aren't exactly lonely out here. We have got each other to speak to, but we really need another woman to talk about."

                        3.         Servanthood is marked by humility.

                                    Jesus revealed His love in humility.

Philippians 2:7-8– “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

James and John had just been striving for the highest places in the kingdom of God. Now they are taught by Jesus where true greatness lies.

                        4.         Servanthood is expressed in helpfulness.

Philippians 2:3-4–"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

            B.        Jesus Expects Total Submission.

James 4:6-7–“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves there fore to God.”

                        James 4:10–“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

III.      THE EXPRESSION OF TRUE SERVANTHOOD.

            A.        Servanthood Is Rooted In The Lordship Of Jesus. (vs. 12-17)

                        Only when Jesus is Lord of my life will I be in a position to serve others.

                        1.         Seek the will of the Lord.

Ephesians 5:17–“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

                        2.         Do the work of the Lord.

                                    Psalm 100:2–“Serve the Lord with gladness. . .”

                                    Why are you involved in the Lord's service?

                                    Is it for personal recognition or for position?

A missionary had retired and was coming home. A band was playing and a great crowd stood on the pier to welcome. He got so excited. Having given all those years, now, what a welcome.

Well, he was disappointed. He learned that there was some celebrity on the ship. The band and crowd had gathered to welcome the celebrity.

The old missionary became very disappointed and discouraged. He had given his life, working for the Lord on the mission field, and no one even acknowledged it.

He walked down the ramp, and disappointedly headed away from he ship, thinking about the unfairness. No one welcomed him.

So he prayed, "Lord, why? I gave all these years on the mission field and no one was here to welcome me home."

But he suddenly perked up as he heard the Lord say in his heart, "Son, you're not home yet!"

Our purpose is not for this life! Our reward is not here! The Lord God of all will adequately reward us if we serve with a servant's heart!

                        Servanthood Is Rooted In The Lordship Of Christ.

            B.        Servanthood Is Revealed In The Serving Of Others. (vs. 15-16)

Notice that Jesus said not "what" but "as".What kind of service is He talking about?

1 Peter 2:21–“For even hereunto where ye called: because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example , that ye should follow his steps.”

            C.        Servanthood Results In Happiness Of Heart. (vs. 17)

                        1.         Do you have a servant's heart?

                        2.         Are you happy in serving?

CONCLUSION:

1.         The need of the hour is for men, women, boys and girls to become servants.

2.         Are you a servant?

3.         Will you commit to becoming a servant like HIM and for HIM?

Home Page   Contact Us    Service Times   Sermons   Are You Going To Heaven?

NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!