Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands…got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded…You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and Teacher washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet (John 13:3-5; 13-14, NASB).
Rarely do people dispute the command of Christ to “make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19) However, many believers that I know struggle to do it. Some would argue (perhaps correctly argue) that the issue is time. “We are too busy.” Others might offer an excuse that they are unqualified. Still, others may resist the command simply because they do not know how to get started. For far too many years, I grew up in a church system that had a program for everything. You took this bible study. You enrolled in this course. You participated in this outreach initiative. Check. Check. Check. All of these good things were intended to provide a pathway to obeying the command to make disciples. The programs were not bad; however, they often became a substitute for obedience.
The passage above is a great example of a solution…and I might go as far as to say that it is the example of the solution. Arise. Grab a towel and basin. Wash feet. Repeat.
There is no substitute for action. Every successful teaching model involves a moment in time when learners must act with what they have learned. The local church, by God’s design, is the laboratory where that takes place (Eph 4:11-13).
A lifetime ago, Jodi and I began teaching 4th grade Sunday School. She heard of a need and decided to exchange one more discipleship class for a chance to teach children. I went along to be with her. I sat quietly for 2.8 seconds. In the year that followed, I learned more about the Scriptures, more about the love of God, and more about discipling others than I had in the previous three years. I learned by doing. God showed me my need. He taught me to depend on Him. He used me to help others grow. The next year, I taught adults and we have been involved in some aspect of teaching ever since.
Growing as a disciple necessarily requires growing disciples. There is no substitute. I know of no exceptions. NONE. People that God uses to change the world have this in common: At some point, they stand up, grab a towel and basin and begin to serve others. Through that service, God teaches them, expands their influence, shapes their knowledge and changes lives.
- Who are you serving?
- How are you serving through your church?
- Is your faith vibrant…or would you say it is a bit stale?
- If you knew you would not fail, what would you attempt for God today?
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