I’ve been thinking about grace this week. Grace, the free and unmerited favor of God. My focus has been on John 13. As is usually the case with Godʼs Word, each reading brings a fresh perspective. Why does that surprise us? Are you constantly amazed at the relevance of His Word? No matter what is going on in our lives He speaks a fresh word over us when we open our Bibles.
John 13:1 tells us, Jesus knew the time had come for Him to leave this world. The NIV says, Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. How did He show them the full extent of His love? He intentionally served them by washing their feet. Later in the text He tells them He was setting an example for them to follow… which means for us to follow.
If Iʼm being honest, my preference would have been for him to give them money for their needs, or heal them of any physical infirmities or even “just” prayed over them. Those examples are so much more convenient to follow. Praying for people, paying for them to see a doctor, buying them food, clothing or whatever else they may need, these things are much easier than humbling myself and serving someone.
Max Lucado puts it this way, Jesus was willing to stoop low. Bent down to the ground, placing himself lower than……. you fill in the blank. How often are you willing to stoop low to serve another? Not very often? Me too. Iʼm happy to put someone on my prayer list. Need a ride to the doctor or someone to talk with? Call me. Itʼs also fun to put a check in the mail or pass on a gift card. But, the whole stooping low thing, thatʼs a whole different ball game.
John 13:14-15, Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should wash one anotherʼs feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Jesus tells us He set an example for us to follow. Letʼs pray that our hearts would be so tender to Him that we look for ways to stoop. As a matter of fact, there are several trips listed below that would give you a great opportunity to stoop.
Trip Schedule
- June 23- July 2: WEST AFRICA – extraction, vision, dental hygiene
- August 10 – 20: PNG – extraction
- September 22-October 1: SOUTH ASIA – extraction
- November 1-12: NEPAL- extraction, dental hygiene
2024
- January 6 – 13: INDIA – sewing, extraction
- February 2 – 11: UGANDA – extraction
- MARCH 7 – 18: PNG – partial dentures