John 13:3-17 (Passion Trans)
Now Jesus was fully aware that the Father had placed all things under his control, for he had come from God and was about to go back to be with him. So he got up from the meal and took off his outer robe, and took a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ dirty feet and dry them with his towel. But when Jesus got to Simon Peter, he objected and said, “I can’t let you wash my dirty feet—you’re my Lord!” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand yet the meaning of what I’m doing, but soon it will be clear to you.” Peter looked at Jesus and said, “You’ll never wash my dirty feet—never!” “But Peter, if you don’t allow me to wash your feet,” Jesus responded, “then you will not be able to share life with me.” So Peter said, “Lord, in that case, don’t just wash my feet, wash my hands and my head too!” Jesus said to him, “You are already clean. You’ve been washed completely and you just need your feet to be cleansed—but that can’t be said of all of you.” For Jesus knew which one was about to betray him, and that’s why he told them that not all of them were clean.
After washing their feet, he put his robe on and returned to his place at the table. “Do you understand what I just did?” Jesus said. “You’ve called me your teacher and lord, and you’re right, for that’s who I am. So if I’m your teacher and lord and have just washed your dirty feet, then you should follow the example that I’ve set for you and wash one another’s dirty feet. Now do for each other what I have just done for you. I speak to you timeless truth: a servant is not superior to his master, and an apostle is never greater than the one who sent him. So now put into practice what I have done for you, and you will experience a life of happiness enriched with untold blessings!”
These are beautiful verses that bring an amazing understanding and revelation to why the Lord so values our identity.
Our identity provides the way for the next generation to go further. The Lord has deposited in you, not only the bread to sustain you, but the seed to create and give birth to a future generation. The Lord has the breathe of life for you and for those to come through you !
So here is your challenge today
- Ask the Lord who He would have you invest into ? An investment of all you have been taught and gifted by the Lord.
- Share with this person what the Lord has revealed to you and invite them to journey with you. If they agree, start mentoring them.
Nb. Invitation is a gift and sometimes gifts are rejected. So if the person turns you down ask the Lord who’s next ? - Mentoring means doing life together. To do this you will need be vulnerable, transparent and put aside differences. Notice the greatest act of Jesus was to serve; so may it be your greatest act in this new role.
- Thank the Lord for all He has done for you.
Let’s pray
Lord breathe on this message ! Let Your glory rain down on Your children and may this insight open the way to the lifestyle You intend through promises You have spoken. (Personal prayer here)
I thank You for creating me as You have. I ask for Your favour and direction so that I may become all You intended and created me to be ! Amen
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors / Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
