Read: John 13:1-7
Point: People can obey Jesus as a response to His love.
Holy Week: Thursday
Devotional: What does the word “servant” mean to you? Does it make you think of someone who is lower than you, or someone who has to do everything you say? Does Jesus come to mind when you hear the word servant?
A servant is someone who serves others with love and humility. Jesus was a servant. He did not consider Himself better. He wanted to show His disciples He loved them by washing their feet in a clear example of serving others.
Jesus gives us a radical example of servanthood as the disciples were gathered together in the upper room. He washed the feet of one who would betray Him, one who would deny Him, and many who would abandon Him. Jesus’ example of being a servant wasn’t dependent on how others responded. He chose to demonstrate His love for them in a very real way, one of many ways He would show it this week.
Who can you serve today? How can you prepare your heart to serve, even if it isn’t received well by others? Can you serve someone from school, work, church, family or community? Make it a point to follow Jesus’s example and serve others with love.
Pray: Dear God, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to be the ultimate servant. Thank you for the example He set. Help me to serve others with humility and love. Amen
Family Activity: Serving Others
On a large sheet of paper, make a list of 3-5 people in your community (church leaders, school teachers, neighbors, coaches, church members, or family). Beside each name, write one way you can serve that person. As a family, choose someone on the list and make a plan to serve that person this week. Some examples could be: Marking a card for someone, taking a treat to a neighbor or friend, picking up trash on a walk, donating clothes or toys to a thrift store, buying coffee for the person behind you in the drive through, or just random acts of kindness like holding a door open for someone, saying hello.