Jesus' advice for the church

This week in the apprentices class we expanded on the second part of our mission: to build friendships and belong. We read Jesus' last words of advice to his disciples in the upper room. John 13:1-3 helps sets the scene...
Jesus has been working with his disciples for 3 years; this is the last bit of quiet teaching time he has with them.
His last chance to make sure that they will found the kind of church that he hopes for.
What's he going to say?

First, he shows them with an example: he washed their feet. Read John 13:4-17. The idea of putting others before yourself might seem obvious to us, but it seems the disciples had trouble with the concept! See Mark 9:33-37, Mark 10:35-45, and Luke 22:20-27.

Then, he tells them, as clearly and plainly as possible: "...now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:33-35.

So what is the meaning of footwashing for us?
How can we apply it today?
If Jesus were here now, would he need to give this "new" commandment again to us, too?

To help answer these questions, see Paul's interpretation of what Jesus wanted for his church in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthinas 12 & 13.

THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE:

1. Continue with the challenge from last week - try a type/method of prayer you haven't done before and see how it works for you, or...
2. Do something to try and make Burwood Church more like the church of Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 & 13.