“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:2-5 (ESV)
How do you serve your enemies? Serving those you love can be a challenge at times. Can you imagine trying to serve those who are against you? Jesus did! Look at His servitude demonstrated during the Last Supper. Jesus knew that Judas would betray him. Jesus knew that Judas would be used by the devil. Yet, Jesus chose to serve Judas by washing his feet.
Read John 13:3 again. Jesus knew who He was and whose He was. Jesus anchored His identity to the rock of His Father’s will. Jesus knew that He came from God and was returning to God. There’s power in knowing who you are and whose you are. There’s significant security in knowing your true identity and your purpose for existence. God did not create you to live in isolation. God created you to live in genuine relationship with Jesus and to continue His ministry on the earth.
Serving your enemies is a byproduct of knowing your true identity in Christ. Once you recognize that you are designed by God and for His glory, the activity of serving your enemies becomes an extension of your love relationship with Jesus. You are simply living out your God-given purpose. You are placed right where you are to continue the ministry of Jesus.
Drawing Near,
Stephen Trammell
Lead Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell