Devotional: The Authority Of A Servant

Serving isn’t just for waiting tables. There is remarkable authority in serving. John 13:1-5 shows us that serving is the greatest authority we can exercise. But why would Jesus wash the feet of his betrayer, Judas? This passage reflects Jesus’ ultimate victory despite the suffering and death that He was going to endure. By taking the posture of a servant and cleansing his disciples’ feet, He showed us how serving gives us access to what He himself had – a victorious conviction and actions that have eternal impact. Serving is an act of authority that flows from the victory we have in Christ.

 Questions For Meditation

1. The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of opposites. What do you think of when you think of  a servant? Have you ever seen serving as an act of authority?
2. A true servant adds value to other people’s lives. Where does the servant get the ability to add value to someone else’s life?
3. Despite Jesus’ authority over the situation, Jesus washed Judas’ feet knowing that Judas’ betrayal would send Jesus to His death. What enabled Jesus to stoop down and wash the feet of the one who betrayed him? Are we only called to serve our friends and people we like? Why?
4. Serving requires both authority and humility. Does humility mean to be inferior or “less than”? What is the relationship between having a mindset of victory on the one hand and having humility on the other hand?
5. The actions of a servant are impactful. What happened to the dirt that Jesus wiped from the disciples’ feet? What happened to the sin that Jesus takes away when we repent? What impact did Jesus have by cleaning you and making you victorious over the sin in your life?
6. What impact can you have as a servant who is victorious and full of authority? Whose life are you called to add value to with that victory and authority? Where can you commit to serve with authority this week, this month, this year?