Apr 9: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   April 9, 2025

Humility and Service: In John’s account of the Last Supper, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, demonstrating the importance of humility and serving others, even in leadership. Jesus sets an example that greatness in God’s Kingdom comes from serving others with humility.

Wednesday Verse

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

How can I cultivate a heart of service and humility, following Jesus’ example of serving others? Who in my life can I serve today?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

I’m sure we’ve all experienced something like this: a friend gets upset with us because we didn’t come through for them when they were struggling, even though we didn’t realize the extent of their hurt. Maybe they send us a scathing email, or we hear from someone they’ve confided in that they are angry. But seemingly out of the blue, they defriend or ghost us. Disappointment is a real test of friendship – how we choose to handle being hurt says a lot about whether our love is more about us or others.

The last few days of Jesus’ life leading up to His arrest and crucifixion were beyond painful for Him. He knew what was coming, and it was going to be excruciating… The cheering masses that greeted Him on His arrival in Jerusalem were going to turn on Him, believing the malicious rumors the religious leaders spread. One of the twelve He had hand-picked to be on His team was going to completely betray Him, leading to Jesus’ arrest late at night. His closest friends were going to fall asleep when He asked them to pray with Him, and all would abandon Him when He was arrested.

Yet we read from an eyewitness to all of this that Jesus remained faithful to His friends even when they completely failed Him. One of Jesus’ closest friends wrote this as he reflected on those last days, “He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.” John 13:1 (NLT) This is amazing. Even with all the disappointment He carried, Jesus loved His friends. He didn’t ignore problems when they came up, but addressed them honestly. He didn’t store up grievance and then explode either. He continued to love them, and His example set the stage for Him to challenge His disciples and us with this:

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ³⁵ Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34,35 (NLT)

As we approach Easter, let’s look at our friendships. Rather than grade others on how they are coming through for us, let’s ask how we can come through for them in Jesus’ name.

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org