In what ways can we prepare our hearts to serve others selflessly? Setting the Scene of Selfless Love “It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.” (John 13:1) • Before Jesus washes feet, Scripture lets us peer into His heart: awareness of the Father’s timetable, unshakable love, resolve to act. • Our own self-giving begins the same way—inside, before any outward deed. Cultivating an Eternal Perspective • Jesus “knew that His hour had come.” Eternity framed the moment, freeing Him to serve. • Keep eternity in view: – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) – Daily remind yourself that time is short and forever is long. • When heaven shapes our outlook, temporary inconveniences no longer feel costly. Resting in Secure Identity “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.” (John 13:3) • Security breeds service; insecurity breeds self-protection. • Anchor identity in God’s declaration: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) • Practical steps: – Memorize identity verses. – Thank God aloud for specific truths: adopted, forgiven, empowered. – Reject the lie that worth equals recognition; it equals redemption. Letting Love Lead Every Action “Having loved His own… He loved them to the very end.” (John 13:1) • Love is more than mood; it is a sustained choice. • Ask the Spirit to pour fresh love: “God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:5) • Love checklist from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7—read slowly, inserting your name where “love” appears. • When love fills the heart, serving stops feeling like loss. Choosing Humility Before Ministry • Immediately after verse 1, Jesus kneels with a basin. • Philippians 2:3-8, paints the same roadmap—“in humility value others above yourselves.” • Practical habits: – Celebrate unseen work; resist announcing it. – Seek out tasks beneath your status. – Welcome correction; it keeps the towel in your hands. Cleaning the Inner Temple “‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.’” (John 13:8) • Ongoing cleansing keeps motives pure. • Daily confession: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful… to cleanse us.” (1 John 1:9) • Pray Psalm 51:10—ask for a renewed spirit before stepping out to serve. Praying Scripture Over Our Motives Use God’s own words to shape the heart: • Psalm 139:23-24—invite Him to expose hidden pride. • Ezekiel 36:26—ask for softness where cynicism has settled. • Romans 12:1—offer yourself as a living sacrifice, holding nothing back. Staying Close to the Cross • Mark 10:45, keeps service Christ-centered: the Son of Man “did not come to be served, but to serve.” • Regularly revisit the Gospel accounts; gratitude fuels generosity. • Remember: we’re never more like Jesus than when we lay ourselves down. Put these patterns in place, and the basin and towel will feel natural in your hands—because they first rested in your heart. |
    |