Category: Digging Deeper

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.”

John 13:15 (NLT)

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THE PATH OF HUMBLE OBEDIENCE

 

In John 13, we find Jesus gathered with His disciples on the night before his crucifixion. In a moment of profound intimacy, He washes their feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. 

 

The disciples are astonished. Peter protests, but Jesus replies with a powerful statement that cuts through to the heart of us all, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)

 

I think many of us can get behind the flashy ways to serve. The ones that command attention as we post them on our beautifully curated feeds. But He was calling them—and us—up to a life of humble obedience by serving, even if it means we get our hands dirty. Talk about a record-scratching moment.

 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy’s hatred, the greater his need of love.” The only way we can glorify God is by loving Him and doing what He commands. 

 

Do we look at our enemies as those in need of love? What about the couple going through messy things in their marriage? Or the friend whose child has walked away from the faith? What about the friend whose profound loss leaves you speechless? Are we willing to show up and get our hands dirty serving those who have hurt us most so they might catch a glimpse of the hope we have in Jesus?

 

This might feel like it’s stepping all over your feet on a Friday morning. If that’s you, same. But remember, the towel and basin aren’t just symbols; they’re a call to action. Let’s pick them up, kneel before the needs of those around us, and truly follow Jesus’ example. It’s only then that we can ever live sent!

 

Jesus, what a profound example you have left us. Empower us to follow your lead. Put someone in our path to love and serve today, all for our good and your glory.

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

For He knew who would betray Him.

John 13:11 (NLT)

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ONLY FAITHFUL

 

Don’t you find it interesting that in John’s account of the Last Supper, the only two disciples he mentions by name are Judas Iscariot and Peter? Judas is notoriously known for his betrayal of Jesus. Then Peter, when asked, adamantly denied knowing Jesus three times. Jesus, knowing all these things would happen, enters the room and kneels to wash their feet. 

 

Why? Because Jesus is faithful even when we are not. Charles Spurgeon said, “The glory of God’s faithfulness is that no sin of ours has ever made Him unfaithful.”

 

When Peter boldly declared that Jesus is the Messiah in Matthew 16, Jesus told him in verse 18, “On this rock, I will build my church, and gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Peter’s later denials didn’t keep God from accomplishing the work He had started in him. 

 

But there is something we must note. Judas’ betrayal begs us to understand that temptations are a big deal, even as we walk with Jesus. Are we killing the little foxes of sin before they grow into wolves of destruction? Are we engaging in daily confession and repentance of sin? Are we involved in a community of believers that are holding us accountable?

 

When I look at Judas and Peter, I am reminded we have never fully arrived in our walk with Jesus. We will fall short. But take heart, Lamentations 3:22-26 tells us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” And David declares in Psalm 36:5, “Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds.”

 

In a world with temptation on every side, we must be a people who anchor to the only Hope we have in this life—Jesus. Dig into His word and find His promises. Spend time reflecting on His past faithfulness. And pray without ceasing. 

 

Jesus, I thank you that our mistakes do not determine your faithfulness to us. Truly, Your lovingkindness is better than life. Lead us onto level ground and empower us to glorify you in whatever you ordain for us today!  

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

“You will never wash my feet,” Peter said.

John 13:8 (NLT)

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THE GIFT OF WRESTLING

 

The second disciple to enter the story of the Last Supper is Simon Peter. Let’s take a minute to remember Peter. Some of his most well-known appearances in Jesus’ ministry include Jesus walking on water and Peter boldly stepping out with him (Matthew 14). He confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16). He was also present at the transfiguration (Matthew 17).

 

As the soldiers came to arrest Jesus before the crucifixion, his emotions reigned, and Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of a soldier. In John 6, when some of His disciples found it hard to follow and accept His teachings, Jesus asked the remaining disciples if they wanted to go away too. And Peter replies so authentically, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” 

 

Peter believed Jesus was who he said He was. No doubt, he was one of the disciples closest to Jesus. Fallible as he was, he was a leader. He often spoke up first, asked all the questions, and imperfectly wrestled out his faith with Jesus. 

 

I resonate deeply with Peter in many ways. When my mother died very unexpectedly, it was another tough loss in my life. Many days, I sat in the dining room digging into God’s Word and wrestling with the tension of grief and hope. One of her dear friends told me, “Sarah, to some, God gives the cocoon of grace. But God has given you the gift of wrestling. My conclusion is that the wrestling that drives us to Jesus is a form of lament, and lament is a sign of deep, strong faith.”

 

T.B. LaBerge once said, “The greatest tragedy in humanity is when we do not wrestle with God when we become so apathetic that we are but a limp rag doll in the hands of a mighty lover who wishes that we fight back; that we embrace Him and choose to find truth.”

 

In all the hard of my life, all the losses and confusion, I am learning Jesus wants us to bring our doubts to Him. He wants us to seek to know Him and gain a heart of wisdom. When the hardest days come, He wants us to cry out for help when all feels lost. Yes, Peter did it imperfectly, but the takeaway is that he did it. There’s beauty in wrestling Jesus to believe, dear friend. Do not miss it!

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.

John 13:3 (NLT)

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JESUS’ GENTLE INVITATION

 

This Last Supper is so poignant to me. After three years with Jesus, Judas sits down at the Last Supper, and his heart has already been tempted towards betrayal. And this betrayal would set things into motion for Jesus’ crucifixion. 

 

Verse two tells us Jesus knew this, and His next move is unbelievable. “So He got up from supper, laid aside His outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.” John 13:4-5

 

What a tender, humbling scene that must have been. With the weight of His coming events firmly on His shoulders, Jesus kneels down in love, even for one whose decisions would set into motion such incredible pain and suffering. I can’t help but wonder: Did he linger longer with Judas, wishing he would confess, repent, and turn from the temptation? How was He able to love Judas?

 

Verse three explains it all. “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.” Jesus was surrendered to His Father’s plan. He knew the call on His life was to glorify His Father, who would faithfully equip Him for all He was sent to do. But He also knew who He was, where He had come from, and where He was going. 

 

What about us and those painful areas of our life? Or those hurtful people? What about the situations you poured your heart into that didn’t work out how you thought they would? Jesus is showing us what it looks like to lay down the painful parts of our story at the feet of the Father so our hands can be free to wash feet. 

 

He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. 

This hard, beautiful work allows us to love best by surrendering most. What a beautiful invitation out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jesus, help us not to miss all You’re inviting us into simply because it’s dressed in hard circumstances!

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now He loved them to the very end.

John 13:1 (NLT)

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JESUS READS THE ROOM

 

At this point in His ministry, Jesus had now been with his disciples for three years. These men had three years of following Jesus under their belts, listening to His teachings, witnessing His miracles, and seeing His heart. 

 

The curtain rises in this chapter with John narrating the opening scene of the Passover Supper. “Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He had loved His disciples during His earthly ministry, and now He loved them to the very end.” Jesus knew the entire reason He came to earth would soon culminate in the greatest suffering known to mankind. 

 

Just before this, Jesus had just endured a discussion-turned-argument between these fellas, where they roped Him in like children do with their parents to ask Him who among them was the greatest. Three years, they walked with Jesus and witnessed all the things, and they asked Him who among them was the greatest. Don’t you kind of want to roll your eyes and beg them to read a room?

 

Jesus didn’t explode because He was stressed and overstimulated, demanding they clear the room so He could just have a moment to get His mind right. He didn’t roll his eyes and spit some clever sarcasm in a belittling, condescending tone. He didn’t turn inward in a silent, passive-aggressive way towards self-preservation, laying down boundaries because they still didn’t get it. No. Jesus read the room and responded with exactly what these imperfect men needed: love. How utterly profound!

 

You see, these disciples that can’t seem to read a room are you and me – called according to His purpose (2 Tim. 1:9), even as unworthy and unqualified as we are. And that purpose? Follow Jesus’ example (1 Peter 2:21-23) to our spouses and kids. To those whose choices profoundly affected us. And that person who bullied us or our children. They’re our co-workers and that person who just cut you off in traffic. 

 

Paul says it best in Romans 2:4, “Do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Friends, when the heaviness of our present circumstances press in, threatening to wreck our hearts and our lives, Jesus shows us we don’t have to respond in our flesh. We can boldly respond with the determination of David in Psalm 63:3: “My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.” 

 

So, how do we do that? Let’s tackle that tomorrow.

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

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I MUST DO ALL IN THE NAME OF CHRIST

 

Disney’s movie The Lion King features a young lion named Simba who is destined to rule the jungle but finds himself “on the outs.” As the story opens, his father, Mufasa, takes him to Pride Rock and shows him his inheritance… he would rule as far as his eyes could see; everywhere the sun placed its light. Soon afterward an evil plot is set afoot and Simba’s father is murdered. Simba flees. He runs from his destiny due to guilt and fear. You see, Simba did not fully grasp who he was or what power and authority he possessed.

 

Then there is a scene where Simba sees a mirage of his father. Mufasa tells Simba, “Remember who you are.” Once Simba realized who he was, what he possessed, and his role in the society of the Savannah, he returned, drove the hyenas from Pride Rock, took His place as king, and restored peace and beauty to the land.

 

In Colossians 3:17, the Apostle Paul reminds the church of who they are. They are members of God’s Kingdom and they represent Jesus in the world. They operate based on the authority and power of Jesus Christ. When the church does things in Jesus’ name to bring glory to Him they are backed by God’s power and presence.

 

Reflection

Many of you proudly wear team jerseys and apparel that reflect which team you support and proudly represent. Years ago, WWJD bracelets were reminders to ask ourselves, “What Would Jesus Do?” It was intended to cause us to pause and ask how Jesus would respond to the daily situations of life. Is there anything in your lifestyle that Jesus would not be pleased with?

 

Prayer/Praise

Thank God for the opportunity to be named as one of His followers and wear the name Christian. Ask God what areas of your life He would like for you to use for His glory where you currently are not.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

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I MUST PRIORITIZE THE WORD OF CHRIST

 

Two construction workers were eating lunch one day. One of them says, “I hope I don’t have another meatloaf sandwich. I’m getting tired of meatloaf.” The next day the construction worker opens his sandwich for lunch and says, “Meatloaf sandwich again – I hate this stuff!” The third day this guy opens his lunch and says “Oh meatloaf again! I’m getting tired of this every day.” The guy who’s been eating lunch with him every day gets tired of hearing him complain and says, “Hey man, why don’t you just get your wife to fix you a different kind of sandwich for lunch?” The first guy replies, “My wife? What are you talking about? I’m not married, I make my own lunch.”

 

Some of us just seem to be wired to complain. However, Christ wants to rewire us to live lives of gratitude. In Colossians 3:16 we learn that we must prioritize God’s Word, and that eventually leads to praise and a heart of gratitude. God doesn’t owe us anything, not even meatloaf sandwiches. When we believe that truth we can find it easier to be grateful. However, when we feel entitled we are more likely to be discouraged and hopeless.

 

Reflection

As children, we learned, “garbage in, garbage out.” The idea is that whatever we put in our minds will eventually come out. If that’s true, it means, “Bible in, Bible out.” If you look at your lifestyle, what does it seem you have been putting a lot of in lately?

 

Praise/Prayer

Praise God for the hope and peace that He offers you through His Word. Ask God to help you make consistent Bible study a part of your everyday life.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…

Colossians 3:15 (ESV)

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I MUST RECEIVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST

 

During a famous battle between baseball’s Babes, Babe Pinelli was the plate umpire and Babe Ruth the batter. Pinelli called the legendary batter out on strikes. Ruth would have none of it. Babe Ruth said, “There are 40,000 people here who know that the last one was a ball, tomato head.” “Maybe so,” umpire Pinelli said, “but mine is the only opinion that counts.”

 

The original picture of “rule” in Colossians 3:15 is that of an umpire deciding the outcome of an athletic contest. The umpire would preside over the athletic games so popular in the Greek culture and distribute the coveted prize to the winner. The verse is, in effect, saying, “let peace win the trophy in your heart.” God’s peace is the opposite of worry. Worry means to pull apart and peace means to hold together. Colossians reminds us to let Jesus’ ability to hold our lives together win in our hearts.

 

Reflection

Unfortunately, some of us are allowing worry to make the calls in our lives. The way we let peace rule is by praying. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, CSB) Instead of worrying we are reminded to pray.

 

Praise/Prayer

Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace.” Praise God for this title and the promise of peace we can claim because of who Jesus is and what He does for us. Spend some time praying about anything that has you worried right now. Ask God for His peace to guard your heart and your mind.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

14 Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: 15 “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.”

John 12:14-15 (NLT)

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JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM: RIDING ON A DONKEY

 

Tom Barnard writes, “The crowd was clueless. They never got it right. They shouted praises. He wept. They looked for a warrior-king riding a white stallion. They got a carpenter riding a donkey. They wanted hype. They got a healer. They wanted a prophet. They got One who fulfilled prophecy. They wanted a scepter. They got a Savior. They got nothing they asked for but everything they needed. Only they never got it. They were clueless. Jesus was the only One there who really knew what was happening on that first Palm Sunday.

 

In the culture of their day, a king would ride into town on a horse if he wanted the people to know that he was ready for war and that he was their warrior king. However, when a king rode into town on a donkey, that symbolized the time of peace was at hand. Jesus chose a donkey to show that the time for peace and love had come. The people were awaiting the king, but most of them thought the king would be an earthly king who would readily protect Jerusalem from all enemies. Jesus, however, came as a king of peace.

 

Reflection

Jesus would come to die for our sins so we could have this peace with God. Tom Barnard said, “The crowd was clueless.” In what ways have you felt clueless in your faith? When have you asked God to do something and later realized you were asking for the wrong thing?

 

Prayer

Thank God for being patient with you. Praise Jesus for starting with bringing peace to your heart. Pray God would open your eyes to misconceptions you have about Jesus.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

12 The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hail to the King of Israel!”

John 12:12-13 (NLT)

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JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM: PALM SUNDAY

 

“The palm branches! Where are the palm branches?” the Donkey shouted. “Yesterday, you threw palm branches!” Hurt and confused, the donkey returned home to his mother.  “Foolish child,” she said gently. “Don’t you realize that without Him, you are just an ordinary donkey?”

 

John records the beginning of what has traditionally been called “Passion Week.” Beginning with Palm Sunday (named this because the people spread palm branches out before Jesus during His so-called Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem). Spreading their coats on the road, as well as freshly cut branches, it was their version of rolling out the red carpet.

 

Praise God, also translated Hosanna, was originally a prayer addressed to God, meaning “O save us now” (Ps. 118:25a). Later it came to be used as a shout of praise (like “Hallelujah!”) and then as an enthusiastic welcome to pilgrims or a famous Rabbi.

 

This week started with praise but was filled with unpleasant interactions with Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, culminating in Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The people misunderstood the type of Kingdom Jesus had come to establish.

 

Reflection

What are some misconceptions you believe society in general has about Jesus? What are some misconceptions you have had about Jesus that have changed since you became a Christian?

 

Prayer

Praise Jesus as the King of all Kings. Ask God to show you any areas of your life where you have misunderstood His place in your life.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.