Unpacking Sunday's Sermon: Jesus Washes Feet

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

At our Bible Study on Friday I recalled a particular act of service by someone in the group. I asked that person if they felt 'blessed' for having served in that way. Their response was honest--the person did not feel particularly blessed for what they did.

So what are we to make of Jesus' promise that we will be blessed as we serve others?

In our study we discussed how God's blessings do not always come in the shape or form we expect. Serving someone may cost money, make us late for an appointment, or add extra stress to a full day. In the end we, many not be any healthier or wealthier for having taken the time to care for that person. We may have just ended up with a head-ache. At the same time our study group could imagine how this act may be helping us grow in God's grace and mercy. This act may be pulling back some of the weeds of narcissism that are encroaching on our families' lives.

It is interesting to note that the word 'blessed' is also encountered in the beatitudes of Jesus, that are recorded in Matthew and Luke (see Matthew 5:3-12 & Luke 6:20-22) There Jesus applies that word 'blessed' to situations and 'states of being' that we would not normally understand as blessed, such as physical hunger or meekness.

This use of the term 'blessed' by Jesus help us redefine 'blessed' to mean more than simply enjoying such tangible benefits as health or happiness. Blessed can also be seen as the status of those who actions are imitations of God. Maybe it's worth thinking about that the next time we choose to serve another person. We may not be getting any particular rewards from that service. But we might be doing the very thing our Lord has asked us to do!