Serving Your Adversary

Read John 13:1-15

Our pastor, Nathan Lorick, preached his first sermon in a series called “Unmasking Christianity”. One point was “Jesus is the servant”. The proof text was John 13:1-15 where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. This occurred before the Passover and Jesus knew His time to die on the cross was at hand. Verse 3 says that Judas would betray Jesus and Jesus knew it. Following the last supper, Jesus prepared to wash the feet of each of his followers. He did this to demonstrate that they were to serve one another. Jesus said, "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.”

As Nathan preached, my mind raced in multiple directions. Jesus showed us that we are to serve. Why am I not serving more? Jesus assumed a lowly posture when he washed the apostles’ feet. Why am I too proud to abase myself? And the most condemning revelation, Jesus knew Judas would soon betray him, yet He washed his feet too! What was that about? What is He teaching us? Does He expect me to serve those who are against me?

My nature moves me to ignore and avoid my adversary. My flesh screams for me to answer with rude speech and actions. But our Lord Jesus not only instructs, but demonstrates, that we are to love and serve those who would betray us. Why? In this story, showing love to the enemy did not change Judas. However, I believe that Jesus showed great strength of character through His incredible actions. This was a very peculiar thing to me. We are, after all, called to be a “peculiar people” I suppose!

How can you demonstrate the love of Christ to one who is obviously against you? Ask God to show you what you can do. You may not change that person, but you will become more Christ-like and I believe God will be honored.