EXPLORE IT - Ephesians 1:1-2

Ephesians 1:1-2   Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 13:12-17   When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.  ¹³ "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.  ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  ¹⁶ I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

As we begin our journey this week through the letter of Ephesians and our study of gentleness, we look at an introduction to the author of this epistle, Paul.  Paul introduces himself immediately as an apostle of Jesus who is writing to those who faithfully serve Jesus.  Jesus is what brings the Church at Ephesus and Paul together.  Jesus is the tie that binds them together.  Jesus is our foundation and He is our greatest example.

In looking to Jesus as an example, we take a moment to look at the Gospel of John.  John 13:12-17 gives us a picture of Jesus, revealing a manner of Jesus, or showing us the characteristic of Jesus that we are to emulate.  Jesus illustrates his manner of humility, self-sacrifice, and love as he serves his disciples by washing their feet. 

In Jesus’ day, people walked around in sandals or sometimes even without shoes.  The roads were not paved and were often dusty or muddy.  There was no sewage system, so animal and human waste was often thrown onto the road.  People’s feet became very gross and it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of guests upon their arrival.  As Jesus and His disciples arrived at their gathering, no one offered to wash their feet.  So Jesus did.  Jesus became a servant and performed a task typically reserved for the lowest of the lowest servant in the house, revealing a manner of gentleness that we are to follow.

Jesus has set an example for us to follow, a manner of gentleness.  As you go through your day today, be open to opportunities to serve others, to humble yourself and offer the love of Jesus to those around you.

Blessings,Pastor Amy