Truth: Those of high standing should joyfully give themselves to low serving. The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” was soon shouting “Crucify him!” Jesus had a high standing but soon became low, giving himself up to serve others as exemplified in Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. This points us to the cross but it is also a paradigm for how we must live.

Response: Where has God given you a position of influence, power, and authority? How are you using your position to serve those under you in a way that promotes their spiritual well-being? Look for ways this week you can go low by serving others.

Truth: To go low in service is to embrace your identity in Christ. Jesus knew exactly who he was and where he was going. Knowing this he still washed the feet of his disciples. His identity gave him the freedom to give himself up for others. When you embrace your high standing in Jesus, you are free from living for the approval of the world.

Response: How does knowing that those in Christ share in his high standing affect your service to others? Pray that God will continue to grow you in your identity with Christ and free you from having to prove yourself to the world.

Truth: To go low in service is to embrace your dependency on Christ.  If we are to have any share with Christ, all of us must be cleaned by the blood of Christ. We cannot serve others until we’ve allowed Christ to serve us.

Response: How do you make time every day to allow Jesus to minister to you? What have you received from Christ that you can give to others? Go to God daily for the ministry of the Spirit through prayer, study of the Word, and the fellowship of other believers in community.

Truth: To go low in service is to embrace the sovereign plan of Christ. Jesus knew Judas would betray him and yet served him anyway. Jesus understood that his betrayal was a part of the sovereign plan of God. He did not allow this to keep him from serving others.

Response: What circumstances, trials, and sufferings are keeping you from serving others? Think of someone who has betrayed or hurt you. How can you serve them this week? Remember, your low service is not in vain. God sees your humble service and will bless it.

Family Response

On Palm Sunday we celebrated the Gospel work of Jesus Christ through communion. As I looked around the sanctuary, I saw quite a few of the 1^stand 2^ndgraders that were with me earlier this month for our overnight retreat when we learned about the ordinances of communion and baptism. My hope is that witnessing communion Sunday evening was more meaningful to them because they have a fuller understanding of what it celebrates. We will also be witnessing several baptisms on Easter Sunday. Here are a few simple truths about each that may be helpful for your kids and some passages about each. How wonderful that we celebrate both ordinances so soon after Pastor Rickey’s series on conversion.

Baptism (Matthew 3:13-17; 28:16-20, Acts 8:26-40; 9:1-19): Baptism shows on the outside what has happened on the inside. Baptism shows Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Baptizing is obeying Jesus. Baptizing is celebrating with others. Baptism is for a person who is committed to trusting and following Jesus. Communion (Exodus 12:1-28, Matthew 26:17-29, Luke 22:19): Communion is a memorial of something God did. Communion represents Jesus’ body and Jesus’ blood. Communion is obeying Jesus. Communion is celebrating with others.  Communion is for a baptized believer who is a member of a local church.

Prepare for Sunday, April 21, 2019