“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.” -John 15:9
This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve. What does this service look like? Is it hierarchical with one person serving and the other being served? Or in the action of service can something new be born? Can this new creation be called friendship? Care? Agape?
Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.
This Week’s Focus in the Core Value Sermon Series: Serving
The act of serving is at the core of being a follower of Christ. Jesus tells his disciples that “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) In a teachable moment, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, as action relegated for servants. “ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15)
In the faith that is nourished and relationships created in care, our serving the Lord in love of God and neighbor somehow blesses us. When we take time to serve others, there are blessings that we receive in return.
Preaching Question
“Is your faith in the service industry?”
For Your Home Devotions
Think about a time that you served or were served by another.
In what ways did this act of service effect you?
In what ways did you experience the love of God?
What are some areas of your life where there is room to grow in serving God and your community?
