When Jesus had finished washing the disciple’s feet, he asked them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:12-15)
The following are three life challenges that we deal with on a daily basis. As we reflect on the example of servanthood that Jesus modeled for us, what is the best response?
One: I am cut-off in traffic by a rude driver. I am tempted to engage this person with angry words and aggressive driving to let him know he is out of line. Will my response help him and me to get closer to the Lord? Will I be able to let it pass? Someone once told me that ignoring all forms of ignorance is the best course, and never to let my ego get involved in my response. People will do what people are will do. The key is for me to stay close to Jesus and not to let my peace be taken away by choosing to respond angrily.
Two: I am at my job, and someone there dislikes me. My character is questioned, and I am insulted publicly and behind my back as well. Untrue accusations are made against me. I am hurt and angry. Do I let God be my defender, or will I choose to defend myself? What will be the outcome of these two choices?
If I defend myself God will step aside and allow me to do so. Will this draw my accuser to Jesus, or will defending myself drive him away from God by my actions? Jesus did not defend himself against his enemies. He trusted the Father to deal with these things. Jesus understood that modeling the love and patience and mercy of the Father was his mission. Justice was in the hands of the Father.
This is why Jesus told us to “turn the other cheek” when attacked by an enemy. It will enable my enemy to see the love and patience and mercy of the Father lived out. My Father will protect me. If I am harmed there is a purpose in it, and God will walk with me through the ordeal. I will have what I need in every situation. God will give me the right words, the confidence I need, and the peace and strength to endure. When I do this, I am walking in the footsteps of Jesus and my life will bring glory to my heavenly Father and it will bring the light of the Gospel to others. This is Christlikeness.
Three: I am enjoying an evening out at a nice restaurant with family and friends. The service I receive at my table in the restaurant is poor, and even borders on rudeness. I am tempted to confront the employee who is embarrassing us and making us all uncomfortable. I want to remind our server of what “proper guest service” should look like, and then punish them by refusing to leave a tip.
By insisting on receiving what is due to me I may improve my situation, but to what degree will God be glorified? Will the employee see God’s grace and mercy or merely the wrath of an angry customer? I would dare to say that in this situation Jesus would let the offense pass and demonstrate patience, exercise forgiveness, and still leave a generous tip. He would show love and forgiveness in his everyday actions with people.
Isn’t this the Christlikeness that Jesus calls us to? When I am tempted to behave in the same way as person who does not know Jesus, I should pause. If my own priorities and preferences are the things that really matter to me, will people see in me the heart of Jesus who loves them and died for them?
Jesus teaches us to love others as we love ourselves and to forgive an enemy so that my enemy will see something in my life and actions that he cannot find anywhere else. I become the proof that Jesus is real, and that he can change my heart to reflect his own.
When I am able to forgive an offender and turn the other cheek on someone hostile toward me, it causes the light of God’s glory to shine forth and that is what draws people to Jesus. The light of the Gospel shines through my life when I pursue Christlikeness.
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)
Paul desired that “Christ be formed” in those he had led to Jesus. (Galatians 4:19)
When I am confronted with an unfair job loss, an unexpected and unwanted divorce, or an accident that puts me in the hospital, where does my heart take me? These are the true tests of faith. Some may feel betrayed by God and unwilling to talk to him. Others will desire to seek God more and get closer to him for the strength and guidance they need.
Jesus was able to trust the Father in every situation. Some of these were very dark and painful situations. The example of Jesus teaches us to trust God in all things and to remember that nothing can touch God’s children unless our Father in heaven allows it. (Job Chapter 1)
If the Father allows it, there is a purpose in it, and we can trust him in this. We may never understand the purpose in this life, but we know our Father loves us and has no desire to harm us. As his children and faithful servants, in the end, we are the instruments of his glory. Everything we do is to model his greatness and love and mercy to those who are lost in sin and darkness, even if it means loving our enemies to the point of suffering on their behalf. This is what Jesus modeled for us. We are called to follow his example.
The following are three life challenges that we deal with on a daily basis. As we reflect on the example of servanthood that Jesus modeled for us, what is the best response?
One: I am cut-off in traffic by a rude driver. I am tempted to engage this person with angry words and aggressive driving to let him know he is out of line. Will my response help him and me to get closer to the Lord? Will I be able to let it pass? Someone once told me that ignoring all forms of ignorance is the best course, and never to let my ego get involved in my response. People will do what people are will do. The key is for me to stay close to Jesus and not to let my peace be taken away by choosing to respond angrily.
Two: I am at my job, and someone there dislikes me. My character is questioned, and I am insulted publicly and behind my back as well. Untrue accusations are made against me. I am hurt and angry. Do I let God be my defender, or will I choose to defend myself? What will be the outcome of these two choices?
If I defend myself God will step aside and allow me to do so. Will this draw my accuser to Jesus, or will defending myself drive him away from God by my actions? Jesus did not defend himself against his enemies. He trusted the Father to deal with these things. Jesus understood that modeling the love and patience and mercy of the Father was his mission. Justice was in the hands of the Father.
This is why Jesus told us to “turn the other cheek” when attacked by an enemy. It will enable my enemy to see the love and patience and mercy of the Father lived out. My Father will protect me. If I am harmed there is a purpose in it, and God will walk with me through the ordeal. I will have what I need in every situation. God will give me the right words, the confidence I need, and the peace and strength to endure. When I do this, I am walking in the footsteps of Jesus and my life will bring glory to my heavenly Father and it will bring the light of the Gospel to others. This is Christlikeness.
Three: I am enjoying an evening out at a nice restaurant with family and friends. The service I receive at my table in the restaurant is poor, and even borders on rudeness. I am tempted to confront the employee who is embarrassing us and making us all uncomfortable. I want to remind our server of what “proper guest service” should look like, and then punish them by refusing to leave a tip.
By insisting on receiving what is due to me I may improve my situation, but to what degree will God be glorified? Will the employee see God’s grace and mercy or merely the wrath of an angry customer? I would dare to say that in this situation Jesus would let the offense pass and demonstrate patience, exercise forgiveness, and still leave a generous tip. He would show love and forgiveness in his everyday actions with people.
Isn’t this the Christlikeness that Jesus calls us to? When I am tempted to behave in the same way as person who does not know Jesus, I should pause. If my own priorities and preferences are the things that really matter to me, will people see in me the heart of Jesus who loves them and died for them?
Jesus teaches us to love others as we love ourselves and to forgive an enemy so that my enemy will see something in my life and actions that he cannot find anywhere else. I become the proof that Jesus is real, and that he can change my heart to reflect his own.
When I am able to forgive an offender and turn the other cheek on someone hostile toward me, it causes the light of God’s glory to shine forth and that is what draws people to Jesus. The light of the Gospel shines through my life when I pursue Christlikeness.
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)
Paul desired that “Christ be formed” in those he had led to Jesus. (Galatians 4:19)
When I am confronted with an unfair job loss, an unexpected and unwanted divorce, or an accident that puts me in the hospital, where does my heart take me? These are the true tests of faith. Some may feel betrayed by God and unwilling to talk to him. Others will desire to seek God more and get closer to him for the strength and guidance they need.
Jesus was able to trust the Father in every situation. Some of these were very dark and painful situations. The example of Jesus teaches us to trust God in all things and to remember that nothing can touch God’s children unless our Father in heaven allows it. (Job Chapter 1)
If the Father allows it, there is a purpose in it, and we can trust him in this. We may never understand the purpose in this life, but we know our Father loves us and has no desire to harm us. As his children and faithful servants, in the end, we are the instruments of his glory. Everything we do is to model his greatness and love and mercy to those who are lost in sin and darkness, even if it means loving our enemies to the point of suffering on their behalf. This is what Jesus modeled for us. We are called to follow his example.
Posted in Disciple-Making Discipleship Updates