Live Dead | A Modern Day Foot Washer | Pastor Jamie Kemp

When we read John 13, it almost feels like we are “eavesdropping” on Jesus’ conversation with his disciples.  It’s the last time Jesus is with his disciples before he is betrayed, beaten and killed… and he knows it.  And so, in John’s Gospel, Jesus shares his heartfelt, final lessons to his closest friends.

John 13:1-17

In these last moments with his disciples, Jesus knew his hour had come and having full authority, humbly washed his disciples’ feet, even Judas Iscariot’s, who would betray him.  This act was not meant to establish a new ordinance like communion or baptism, but rather to demonstrate the “attitude and actions of a foot washer.”

To be a modern-day foot washer:

1. Know the Time:  Understanding God’s perfect timing for your life, avoiding mistakes that happen when we rush ahead of God’s plan.

2.  Know Your Identity:  Recognize that your mission and ministry flow from knowing who you are in Christ, freeing you to serve anyone, anywhere.

3. Know the Small Things:  Understand that true love and service are often expressed and mean the most in the little acts of faithfulness and kindness.

LIVING DEAD means serving others.

How are you serving your family, community, campus, workplace, and those who have hurt you or are different from you.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Whose feet is God calling you to wash?  How are you “washing the feet” of those around you?
2. It’s important to know the time and avoid mistakes that happen when you rush ahead of God’s timing.  Has there been a time that you waited for God’s timing and saw positive results or rushed ahead and faced difficulties?  What is something that you are waiting on God to fulfill in your life?
3. When you know who you are and whose you are, your mission and ministry will flow from that.  What ministry and mission is God calling you to do?
4. What are some small things you can do this week to show love and humility to those in your daily life?
5. Jesus washed the feet of Judas, who would betray him.  How are you serving someone who has hurt you?  How challenging is this concept for you, and what steps could you take towards serving someone who has caused you pain?