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John 13:1-17

Jack in the box

This week I’ve felt fragile. Like a Jack in the Box whose handle is being turned by the many frustrations experienced in daily life. Like for example the continued sniffing of one of my kids in another room while I was working.

But Jack didn’t pop up because I deliberately diffused my irritation so that it didn’t explode in anger. It has been amusing for me to practice this sermon throughout the week. Christ washing his disciples feet has rather blown me away.

Jack in the Box

How fragile do you think Christ felt, just before he was to be betrayed and nailed to the cross, where he would bear the sin of the whole world? His disciples had been fighting about who was going to be the best. Christ washes their feet. Wow.

I’ve found that really challenging to put specifically into practice. This has meant making an emotional effort to be kind, saying good morning, doing the dishes, cooking a few meals this week all despite feeling really tired and irritable.

Going to Assembly was a test. Sitting there all day listening to people talk in a language I wasn’t sure was English and then having to be polite, entering into conversations I had no interest taking part. I made the effort, I engaged and fellowshiped with ministers and elders alike.

Even within epic failures Christ was with me, like my trip to Centrelink with Josiah, we didn’t have all we needed, another visit is needed. I lost it. That night I had nightmares. Within all the mess Christ restrained me so that it wasn’t a complete disaster. Despite my handle being turned Christ has managed to keep Jack in his box. the Rev

John 13:1-17 Wash Feet

Bible Reading: Mark 10:35-45 and John 13:1-17

Exercises

• Explore the contrast between Christ & the disciple’s thinking Mk 10:35-45 & Jn 13:1-5.

• Discuss why Christ’s foot washing was so important v6-10.

• Why is Christ’s teaching so important to the Apostles and you v12-17? 

• Share specifically how you are going to serve rather than be served.

Prayer: Heavenly Father forgive me for so easily getting swept away by my own needs and wants. For the way I limit what I do for others based on how I feel or whether I think they deserves my help. May Christ’s teaching and example be something that I both know and do. Use me Lord to practically help my family, friends and community by taking deliberate steps to serve in humility, just as Jesus did for me. Amen