Blessing

Sunday 16^th November

Read John 13:12-17

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ¹³ ‘You call me “Teacher” and “Lord”, and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (NIVUK)

A blessing is often thought of as something unexpectedly good happening to you. Jesus argues that the deliberate sacrifice of time and honour in the service of others is at the heart of blessing. Ironically it is the one serving who is blessed, not the one unexpectedly served.

There is a way of ‘obeying’ and honouring the words of Jesus without going so far as to do them. Such self-righteousness unfortunately is prevalent in God’s people.  Jesus has only recently warned those very folk about the consequences of enthusiastically endorsing His words without following through.

‘If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. ⁴⁸ There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.’ (John 12:47-48) (NIVUK)

Seek salvation and blessing through service and cleaving close to Jesus.