John 13:17 “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

This is a dearly loved story that shows Jesus’ teaching style very clearly. The idea that the disciples were to be servant-leaders was very counter-cultural at the time, and indeed, it still is today. However, Jesus didn’t just tell them to serve one another, He illustrated it by His actions, completely shocking them. He had said similar things previously, but here, with very little time left before his arrest, he pounded the point home with what was considered something you would only ask a slave to do. Peter famously tried to reject such a menial act on the part of his Lord, but his desire to be connected to Jesus won out over his sensibilities. (verses 8-9) However, it’s this verse that hits home hardest for me. Most Christians, especially in culturally Christian nations like America, know a lot more than they do in terms of following Christ. By failing to do what we actually know to do, we miss out on far more blessings than we realize. For example, many studies have shown that altruism feels good, and actually has positive health benefits. Serving in a soup kitchen, for example, is good for you! However, lying Satan has twisted that around to make us do things just to feel good, instead of genuinely serving, and that is what is called “virtue signaling.” Sadly, many of the things that are done for that purpose actually hurt, rather than help, those we are “serving.” It is only when we are submitted first to God that we can discern what He wants us to do in genuine service, to Him and to our neighbor. When we do that, we are blessed indeed!

This verse, coupled with James’ famous instructions to “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,” (James 1:22) have always hit home for me, because I have had a lot of Bible knowledge from a very young age, growing up in the home that I did. I honestly don’t know how many blessings I have missed because of failing to act on the truth I knew, but I’m sure it’s a lot. Now, as a pastor, I need to be encouraging the believers to act on the truth they are hearing week by week, and hopefully reading every day. It was shocking to two of the men in the church yesterday when they found out I take Communion every morning as part of my devotions. I hope the point got home that faith isn’t just a matter of words, but is to be acted on. Just a few minutes before that, they had been commenting that they hoped they could be as active as I am when they reached my age. My prayer is that they realize that my current blessed state is a demonstration of this verse!

Father, thank You indeed for Your blessings. Thank You for Your patience with me over the years, as truth has slowly moved from my head to my heart and out into my actions. I know I still have a long way to go! May I be an effective example, drawing those who see me into a right relationship with You, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!