how HE taught

yesterday our pastor started a series on volunteerism, which i think is good.

he used the story of Jesus washing His disciples feet, which i also think is good.

now, i have heard this story before. i understand the importance of serving. it is something that i think that the greater body of the church needs to get.

but as our pastor taught what Jesus taught, I began to think of HOW Jesus taught.

Jesus washing His disciples feet is not only the greatest example of serving others, but it may also be one of the greatest examples of experiential teaching. Jesus had verball taught them about serving, but they didn't get it. because this is such a huge issue that He wants them to get, He sets up a situation that they have to experience it. He not only shows them how to serve, but He also invites them into the experience. then they get it.

Peter tried to fight it. tried to fight Jesus taking a role that was less than his own. but i wonder if he fought it because he got what Jesus was saying, showing. he got what he was supposed to do, how he was supposed to live, and he didn't want the further shame. but it doesn't matter. i don't think that Peter ever forgot that moment, that image of Jesus with a towel at his feet.

we that teach need to take hold of this story. take hold of Jesus' example. i think that we focus so much on what Jesus taught(which is no doubt important), but we forget HOW Jesus taught.

He invited them into the experience. He gave them a moment, an image, that they would never forget. He knew that people would remember those instances that they experienced and would learn from them more.

this is not to say there is no value of the spoken word.

this is to say that we must accompany the spoken word with involvment, interaction, and experience.

i'm gonna chew on that for awhile.

be good to each other. look at Christ. peace