“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
John 13:17 (ESV)
There’s a temptation we all face: serve when convenient. Give when it fits. Help when the calendar clears. In other words, enjoy the sense of credit without the cost.
But Jesus models service in the most inconvenient moment of His life.
John 13 unfolds on the eve of Jesus’ death. He knew the cross was near. He felt the shadow of suffering looming. Yet what did He do? He rose. He removed the outer garments, took a towel, and knelt dow to serve.
Jesus didn’t tap out under pressure or beg off for a more convenient time. He leaned in.
The 11th Commandment: Control Thy Time
Let’s be honest. Most of us live by an unwritten 11th commandment: Control thy time. We manage our calendars with precision. We protect our rest and guard our weekends like sacred ground. But Christ exemplifies service when it is sacrifical–even disruptive to life. I think that’s the point.
What makes good works sacrificial –and therefore true service–is that it violates our preferred schedule. Jesus shows us that true service doesn’t wait for open space. It presses in during the hard seasons. It shows up when it costs. He had a cross in view—and yet He washed feet.
Here’s a question: Is there a cross in your life right now that you think exempts you from service? A stress? A trial? A season of weakness?
If so, John 13 speaks directly to you.
The 11th Commandment: Control Thy Home
There’s one more layer here that’s hard to ignore—your home.
Have you considered that the home God gave you is not just for you? That it is not just a place of refuge not just for your family, but for others as well? Jesus didn’t see sacred spaces as escape pods. He turned them into places of connection. Too often, we treat our home like a walled city; the sanctuary into which we escape from the world. But maybe God’s calling us to turn it into a welcome center.
Whether it’s inviting others over for a meal, hosting a small group, or simply being willing to be interrupted, your home might be your most powerful tool of sacrificial service.
Jesus said, “Blessed are you if you do these things.” Not know them. Not admire them. Do them.
So where does your service reveal true sacrifice right now?
Today’s Tenacious Question
Where have you allowed convenience to define your service? Is God calling you to stoop to serve—even though you are experiencing ongoing suffering?
Prayer
Father, I praise You for the sacrificial love of Christ. Forgive me for only serving when it suits me. Teach me to open my hands, my time, and my home. Help me stoop like Jesus, even when I’m tired or burdened. Let Your love disrupt my convenience and transform my life. Amen.
