Master Servant

Today we are reflecting on chapters 13 and 14 in the Gospel of John and learning more about how Jesus exemplified servant leadership through humbly washing his disciples feet. We will also hear more about how some friends of Heartland are living out servant leadership in a poor and desolate part of rural India outside of Hyderbad.  They give their all to bring Jesus to this part of the world each day as they together with colleagues from India administer a program and love on 400 kids currently.  This program is called Covenant Children's Homes (CCH) and provides a home, parents who are pastors within the community and a family environment for children struggling through poverty or who have been orphaned or abandoned.  These homes give them a hope for a brighter future as well as a personal relationship with God.  See more details below.

About Servant Leadership . . .

"Someone has wisely observed that being a servant is fine until someone starts treating you like one.  We don't naturally gravitate toward servanthood.  Helping others has a certain charm as long as it doesn't inconvenience or cost too much.  But genuine servanthood is about being put upon.  Authentic service is sparked by the immediate need, not the convenience of energy, schedule, or especially social norms and expectations.  Think of a special time when you enjoyed fellowship with other believers.  What aspects of service can you identify in that setting?  How did the presence of service cause you to enjoy that fellowship so much?" (From The Gospel of John by Max Lucado)

Consider the scene . . . (From Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado)

It has been a long day.  Jerusalem is packed with Passover guests, most of whom clamor for a glimpse of the Teacher.  The spring sun is warm.  The streets are dry.  And the disciples are a long way from home.  A splash of cool water would be refreshing.

The disciples enter, one by one, and take their places around the table.  On the wall hangs a towel, and on the floor sits a pitcher and a basin.  Anyone of the disciples could volunteer for the job, but not one does.

After a few minutes, Jesus stands and removes his outer garment.  He wraps a servant's girdle around his waist, takes up the basin, and kneels before one of the disciples.  He unlaces a sandal and gently lifts the foot and places it in the basin, cover it with water, and begins to bathe it.  One by one; on grimy foot after another, Jesus works his way down the row.

In Jesus' day the washing of feet was a task reserved not just for servants but for the lowest of servants.  Every circle has its pecking order, and the circle of household workers was no exception.  The servant at the bottom of the totem pole was expected to be the one on his knees with the towel and basin.

In this case the one with the towel and basin is the King of the universe.  Hands that shaped the stars now wash away filth.  Fingers that formed mountains now massage toes.  And the one before whom all nations will one day kneel now kneels before his disciples.  Hours before his own death, Jesus' concern is singular.  He wants his disciples to know how much he loves them.  More than removing dirt, Jesus is removing doubt.

Reflections on John 13:1-20

1. How did Jesus show his love for his friends?
2. Looking at Simon Peter's reaction to being served by Jesus, why was it difficult for him to accept Jesus' service?
3. When has the humble service of a fellow believer inspired you?
4. What are some of the rewards of serving others?
5. Why is it important for fellow believers to have fellowship with one another?
6. How does it affect you to see people serving with humility in the church?  

 

Children's Covenant Homes (CCH) - Providing Family-Style Homes and Education for Children in Crisis

• Website - http://cch-india.com/
• Vison - In a Covenant Children’s Home, we create an atmosphere of love and belonging, where the children not only have the pastor’s immediate family taking care of them in the day-to-day, but the entire church family nurturing them as they grow up.  This gives them a solid foundation emotionally, physically and spiritually. We currently have 400 children in 40 Covenant Children’s Homes. Our desire is to see many more orphaned or abandoned children have the opportunity to grow up in this kind of environment.
• To Give or Donate - Click HERE to learn how.  Every bit helps there.  A pair of shoes for one kid costs $6.  You can even sponsor a kid to go to camp for $50 or a whole home of 10 kids for $500.  There are always special projects as well where they are trying to raise money for basic necessities like mattresses and pillows.
• Videos we viewed today:
• "A Day in the Life"
• "CCH Vision"

Our next Serve Day is centered around serving and caring for the most recent 200 kids that were added to CCH.  In the past year CCH opened up 20 new homes for these kids and now we are going to make them personalized pillow cases that will be handed out at their summer camp in a few months.  Last year we did this and it was a hit.  Many of these kids have never had pillows let alone one that is all their own so they were excited.

To cover the cost of the materials and shipping for this effort, we are asking each women to consider giving a donation.  Even if it is a $1 or $30 it all helps and will go a long way.  Any extra money we have will be put towards Pajamas for the kids.  Please contact Kyran W (kyran_stagnito@hotmail.com) with any questions. 

If you are interested in giving to CCH on a regular, ongoing basis please contact Tara G at taragazaway@yahoo.com.