April 23, 2010

JESUS CALLS US TO SERVICE

Key Verse
And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. (John 13:14, NLT)
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Central Truth

Jesus showed by example the importance of our service to others.

Reflections

Jesus was celebrating the Passover Feast with His disciples for the last time before His crucifixion. During the supper, He got up and took a servant's towel and proceeded to wash the disciple's feet. He then told them that they should wash each other's feet. He went on to speak of service.
 
I don't think the main object of Jesus' teaching was to actually wash someone's feet. In that day, people wore sandals and their feet were dirty from walking on the dusty roads. When one entered a home, it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests. Today, in our society, most people wear shoes and do not need their feet washed when visiting someone. However, Jesus was demonstrating an act of service, being a servant to the disciples.
 
A group of people that I have had the privilege of serving is internationals. Many of the international students are in our country alone. When they come to our country, they are entering a totally new culture. There are many things with which they need help. They are so appreciative when an American reaches out to them with friendship.
 
Since working with international students, I have taught some to drive a car, parallel park, and have taken them for their driver's license. I have tutored them in English and proof-read their papers. I have provided transportation to church and conducted Bible studies for those who are interested. I have assisted with transportation to and from the airport. They enjoy learning to cook American food and I have taught some to bake cookies, to make preserves, and to can tomatoes. Just taking the time to befriend them is an important service. I like to call it friendship evangelism. People are more open to our witness when they see our love shown through serving them. Also, there are many rewards in this life as well as in the next life when we are willing to wash the feet of others.

Discussion Questions

1. Would you be willing to provide transportation to church for someone?
 
2.  Would you be willing to invite an international to your home for dinner after church?
 
3. Would you consider entertaining a senior citizen in your home occasionally?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Trinity Assembly.

  1. Marge Northington

    April 23, 2010 01:09 PM

    In the mid 80's, Trinity had an international relationship with some of the universities. Families at Trinity were encouraged to adopt the foreign students and welcome them into their homes. I think that would be a great ministry to begin again. So many families would be interested in adopting the students if their were a connection for them to get acquainted.

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Ruth Wirtz

Ruth Wirtz

I am Ruth Wirtz. I am a retired teacher. I volunteer with international students at Towson University. I am a member of the Campus Ministries staff. At the beginning of each semester, I organize a dinner for the new international students. The church provides the food. Since I do not have children of my own, these students become my family.
 
I grew up in an Assembly of God in northern Baltimore County. In fact, in the early days of Trinity, when it was located in Baltimore City, some of the members came out to the county and started that Trinity.