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Title Page
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Lesson One
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John 133-6
John 133-6 3Jesus knowing that the Father had
given all things into his hands, and that he was
come from God, and went to God 4 He riseth from
supper, and laid aside his garments and took a
towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he
poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the
disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel
wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to
Simon Peter and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost
thou wash my feet?
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John 137-10
John 137-10 7 Jesus answered and said unto him,
What I do thou knowest not now but thou shalt
know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou
shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If
I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet
only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus
saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save
to wash his feet, but is clean every whit and ye
are clean, but not all..
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John 1311-14
John 1311-14 11 For he knew who should betray
him therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12
So after he had washed their feet, and had taken
his garments, and was set down again, he said
unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13
Ye call me Master and Lord and ye say well for
so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have
washed your feet ye also ought to wash one
anothers feet.
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John 1315-17
John 1315-17 15 For I have given you an example,
that ye should do as I have done to you. 16
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is
not greater than his lord neither he that is
sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know
these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
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Focus Verse
Philippians 27 But made himself of no
reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
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Focus Thought
Jesus our Master and Model assumed the role of a
servant. We also must prepare to serve a hurting
and lost world.
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Introduction
Introduction
Misconceptions abound concerning ministry in the
church. Because of the special nature of Gods
call to ministry, some individuals wrongly
believe that the ministry is exempt from serving
or receiving judgment. They mistakenly believe
that serving is the job of underlings and that
they are somehow above doing those things.
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Introduction
However, such is not the case at all. It is true
that ministers are to receive appropriate respect
and honor, but they are believers in Christ Jesus
who are serving a particular function and calling
in the church just as other believers serve in
diverse areas of lay ministry in the church.
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Introduction
Furthermore, the Scriptures mention that
ministers are worthy of double honor if they lead
well those who are under their oversight, and
especially so if they serve in areas of the word
and doctrine. (See I Timothy 517-18.) Moreover,
they are to receive an appropriate reward or
remuneration for their labor.
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Introduction
A careful study of Jesus teachings and practices
concerning ministry sheds much light on this
subject. God blesses the church as believers
follow biblical instructions for ministry.
Otherwise, an assembly would become only a
man-made kingdom that would die when its
prominent leader is gone.
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Introduction
However, scripturally sound churches continue to
survive and thrive because Gods Word is their
foundation. The psalmist observed that the Lord
must build the house, or the labor of individuals
is in vain (Psalm 1271).
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Introduction
Jesus gave us significant principles concerning
the ministry. (See Matthew 2025-28.) He warned
that the Gentiles have princes that exercise
authority over them, but that it was not to be so
among believers. According to His teaching, one
should become a servant if he is to be great in
Gods kingdom. Although He was without question
the Incarnate God, Jesus declared that He came to
minister and not to be ministered unto (Matthew
2028)
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Introduction
The key to understanding the biblical concept of
ministry involves understanding the Greek word
diakonos, which is translated minister.
Strongs Concordance defines the word as
probably from an obsolete diako (to run on
errands compare NT1377) an attendant, i.e.
(genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other
menial duties) specially, a Christian teacher
and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess).
In the King James Version, the word is translated
as deacon, minister, or servant. Thus, the
biblical concept of a minister is that of a
servant.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
The Master Sets anExample of Ministry

1. Misconception of MinistryLordship

The apostle Paul gave a clarion call of warning
to ministers to be careful Take heed therefore
unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the
which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to
feed the church of God, which he hath purchased
with his own blood (Acts 2028).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
In other words, the Lord has called ministers to
guard themselves and the believers under their
care and oversight. (See also I Timothy 416.)
The minister is to feed the church with good
things from the Word of God.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Paul used the term grievous wolves (Acts 2029)
to describe ministers who do not really care for
people but take advantage of them for their own
gain. Real shepherds care for the sheep so the
sheep can produce more sheep and provide wool for
many years, but wolves devour the sheep.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
The role of the ministry is to care for the
people as shepherds care for their sheep.
Ministers are undershepherds, and the Lord is the
Chief Shepherd (I Peter 225 54). Ministers
should treat the people as the Lord Himself would
treat them, for they are ministering to the
people in His stead.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
A pastor who stands against the onslaught of this
world has the heart of a shepherd. He is not a
hireling who runs away when he sees the sheep in
trouble. (See John 1012-13.) The Scriptures
provide great comfort to the child of God And I
will give you pastors according to mine heart,
which shall feed you with knowledge and
understanding (Jeremiah 315).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Furthermore, a real pastor is not a selfish
person who speaks condescendingly to the sheep,
but he desires to inform the flock and to care
for their spiritual health. Moreover, a God-given
ministry involves speaking the truth in love
(Ephesians 415) and giving a certain sound of
warning. (See I Thessalonians 512-14.)
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Paul warned the ministry at Ephesus that false
ministers would arise, speaking perverse things
(Acts 2030). The word perverse means to
distort, to misinterpret, or to corrupt morally
or spiritually. False ministers tend to make
disciples of themselves and not of the Lord. Paul
wrote to Titus, They profess that they know God
but in works they deny him, being abominable, and
disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate
(Titus 116).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
We should beware of those who distort the truth.
If a person cheats in one area of life, he will
undoubtedly cheat in other areas when given the
opportunity. For that reason, one should live the
Christian life circumspectlywell rounded in all
areas of life. (See Ephesians 515.) We are to be
wise and understand that this is the will of the
Lord in these evil times (Ephesians 516-17).
Furthermore, we should maintain a balance of
Spirit and truth.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
The child of God should not covenant blindly with
a church or a pastor. The Bible provides a
process of checks and balances for church members
and pastors. Paul beseeched the Thessalonians,
warning them to know them which labour among
you, and are over you in the Lord (I
Thessalonians 512).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
He also admonished them to prove all things (I
Thessalonians 521). The Bible compliments the
Bereans because they searched the scriptures
daily, whether those things were so (Acts
1711). That does not mean that church members
dictate what the pulpit preaches, but they
certainly should pray for and encourage their
leader to continue strongly in the Word of God.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
God has given authority to the ministry, and
every believer should be kind and respectful to
those who perform ministry. A person should never
charge an elder with wrongdoing except the charge
is supported by two or three witnesses (I Timothy
519).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
The Book of Hebrews strongly guides church
members to obey them that have the rule over
you, and submit yourselves for they watch for
your souls, as they that must give account, that
they may do it with joy, and not with grief for
that is unprofitable for you (Hebrews 1317).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
The word obey in this verse translates from the
Greek word peitho, which means to be convinced
(by argument, true or false) by analogy, to
pacify or conciliate (by other fair means)
reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
or authority), and to rely (by inward certainty)
(Strongs Concordance). The King James
translators used the following words to translate
the original Greek word agree, assure, believe,
have confidence, be (wax) confident, obey,
persuade, trust, yield.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to esteem . .
. very highly in love those in ministry over
them and to be at peace among yourselves (I
Thessalonians 513). Accountability to each other
provides a balance between pastoral authority and
church members. Each should peaceably submit to
the other. The apostle Peter provided submission
guidelines instructing the younger to submit to
the elder and for both to be subject one to
another, and be clothed with humility (I Peter
55).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Just because someone is older in age does not
automatically give him authority status. On the
other hand, a pastor may be young in age
however, when God gives him the responsibility of
an assembly by the vote of the people, church
members should respect his position.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Still, the younger pastor should never take
advantage of his position, but he should realize
that counsel from older Christians could be very
helpful to his success. Furthermore, Peter
declared that humility through willing submission
brings exaltation in due time to everyone (I
Peter 56).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Erring ministers have falsely used the scriptural
reference touch not mine anointed, and do my
prophets no harm (I Chronicles 1622). A
persons ministry is never exempt from Gods
judgment of sin. David was the anointed of God.
However, when he committed adultery with
Bathsheba, God judged his sin and David suffered
greatly because of it.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Moreover, God did not allow him to build the
Temple because he had shed the blood of others.
Every personminister and layperson alikeis
accountable for his actions. Because of this
principle of accountability, the Bible provides
definite stipulations and guidelines concerning
the qualifications of those who would minister.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Erring church members have suggested that some
ministers are not anointed therefore, they can
touch them or take definite actions to oppose
them. Such a dangerous, arrogant philosophy
presumes to intrude into the domain of God alone,
for only God can extend divine anointing. The
Scripture continues by saying that we should do
no harm to Gods prophets. Although Saul had
lost his anointing from God, still David was
careful not to touch him or take his life.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
We cannot overemphasize the importance and
necessity of maintaining respect for the things
of God. God will judge those people who require
judgment. We must patiently bide our time and
wait for God to take care of what we perceive to
be wrongful situations, and in His time He will
settle the matter.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
The apostle Peter understood that a minister
should not become arrogant or proud, and he
clearly warned that ministers are not to be
lords over Gods heritage (I Peter 53). A
biblical example of this occurred when Peter
visited Corneliuss house for the first time, and
Cornelius fell down at his feet, and worshipped
him (Acts 1025).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Since Cornelius was a Gentile, Peter could have
succumbed to pride in his Jewish heritage as well
as his God-given ministry. Instead, Peter
declared, Stand up I myself also am a man
(Acts 1026).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Peters response was an obvious refutation of
humans regarding a mere man as the Holy Father,
the Vicar of Christ, or the Sovereign
Pontiff. In fact, not one scriptural instance
occurs where any of these titles refer to
mankind. The term Holy Father appears only once
in the entire Bible, and Jesus employed it when
addressing the oneness of God. (See John 1711.)
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
Peters own writings refute that he was the first
Pope and clearly indicate that he considered
himself just a man. He did not want Cornelius
to bow at his feet. Furthermore, Peter referred
to himself as a fellow elder and provided the
following guideline for overseers
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I Peter 51-3, NIV
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow
elder, a witness of Christs sufferings and one
who also will share in the glory to be revealed
be shepherds of Gods flock that is under your
care, serving as overseersnot because you must,
but because you are willing, as God wants you to
be not greedy for money, but eager to serve not
lording it over those entrusted to you, but being
examples to the flock (I Peter 51-3, NIV).
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
The only time the Word of God refers to people
worshiping a man in the place of God occurs in
Pauls discussion of the man of sin or the son
of perdition (II Thessalonians 23-4). This man
will oppose everything that is called God and
will even attempt to show that he is God.
Certainly, no one would want to be a part of that
kind of rebellion against God and His kingdom.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
A careful consideration of Peters warning about
not acting as lords over Gods heritage reveals
that the Greek word used for being lords over
is katakurieuo, which means to lord against,
control, subjugate, or overcome.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
A study of godly submission on the part of both
pastors and church members clears the way for
God-given authority. The apostle Paul proclaimed,
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ (I Corinthians 111). If a leader does
not follow the Scriptures, no one should follow
him.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
This is one of the blessings of belonging to a
church organization. Although organizations are
not perfect, they provide guidelines for both
church members and ministers through a form of
government.
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I. The Master Sets . . .A
These guidelines provide safety and checks and
balances to both sides. Indeed, we should avoid
ministers who refuse any governing authority over
them, for a person who cannot submit to proper
authority should himself never be in authority.
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I. The Master Sets . . .B

1. Definition of MinistryServanthood

We should never relegate the ministry only to
those who stand behind a pulpit to preach and
teach the Word of God. The Greek words for
ministry imply the act of serving, and the New
Testament understanding is that every believer
desires for the Lord to use him to serve others.
Serving others should be a powerful passion in
the heart of a person who has received the Holy
Ghost.
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I. The Master Sets . . .B
A great example of such passion is the household
of Stephanas who addicted themselves to the
ministry of the saints (I Corinthians 1615).
The word addicted has the meaning of being
assigned to a lofty position or a life priority.
It was a strong precedent within the household of
Stephanas, for this disciple of Paul evidently
taught his whole family to minister to others.
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I. The Master Sets . . .B
What a great way for one to live and to train his
childrenserving the church of God, a service
that God never forgets. (See Hebrews 69-11.)
Certainly, every act of serving has its reward.
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I. The Master Sets . . .B
Luke wrote that Tabitha, or Dorcas, was noted for
her good works and almsdeeds which she did
(Acts 936). In his letter to the Romans, Paul
referred to Phebe as a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea (Romans 161-2). She had
been a succourer of many, or a help to many
(NIV), including the apostle Paul. Serving for
the benefit of Gods kingdom never goes without
rewards from the Lord.
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I. The Master Sets . . .B
A persons human nature is to be self-serving,
never focusing on serving others. Serving others
is one of the things that fulfills the desires of
a Christianone of the things that accompany
salvation (Hebrews 69). The New Testament
writings sometimes listed serving as one of the
criteria for genuine believers in Christ. Jesus
even stated that a person would receive a reward
when he provides someone with something as simple
as a glass of water (Mark 941).
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I. The Master Sets . . .C

1. Example of MinistryJesus Christ

Our lesson text is such a revelation of the
Lords understanding of ministry. In washing the
feet of His followers, He set forth a principle
that they would long remember and practice.
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I. The Master Sets . . .C
It is not surprising that the apostle Peter gave
admonitions about servant-leadership in his
epistles, for he had objected to His Masters
performance of the menial task of washing his
feet. He was determined never to let that happen
however, the Lord told him, What I do thou
knowest not now but thou shalt know hereafter
(John 137).
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I. The Master Sets . . .C
Further in the passage, Jesus stated, The
servant is not greater than his lord neither he
that is sent greater than he that sent him (John
1316). This statement refers to a great
truthJesus was not greater than the Father,
because He was God . . . manifest in the flesh
(I Timothy 316).
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I. The Master Sets . . .C
On the other hand, it also is erroneous for one
to make Jesus a second person or something less
than the heavenly Father. Jesus stated it well
when He explained, I and my Father are one
(John 1030).
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I. The Master Sets . . .C
Neither is a minister greater than his Lord.
Peter obviously well understood this principle of
ministry. (See I Peter 55-6.) Traditional
history even reveals that the apostle Peter felt
that he should be crucified upside down because
he did not consider himself worthy to be
crucified like his Lord.
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II. Let This Mind (A)
Let This MindBe in You

1. Jesus Made Himselfof No Reputation

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul explained
the role of the SaviorGod among mankind. (See
Philippians 27-8.) In general, a reputation is
what others think of an individual. However,
Jesus was more concerned with real character.
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II. Let This Mind (A)
According to the International Bible Dictionary,
the word reputation is probably better translated
being held in prominence. As one cell in the
womb of the virgin Mary, God through Christ
became as small as one could get and still be
human. Furthermore, Joseph raised Him in a
carpenters shop, which shows that our Lord knows
the feelings of serving others as a common man.
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II. Let This Mind (A)
Even in His ministry, Jesus did not take
advantage of others with His divine power. He
humbled Himself to become one of those whom He
came to serve and saveeven when they in
ignorance crucified Him. He then showed His power
in the Resurrection God highly exalted him
(Philippians 29).
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Philippians 210-11
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth and that every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father (Philippians 210-11).
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II. Let This Mind (B)

1. Jesus Took on Him theForm of a Servant

Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God but
made himself of no reputation, and took upon him
the form of a servant, and was made in the
likeness of men (Philippians 25-7).
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II. Let This Mind (B)
It is amazing to know that God took on the form
of a servant when He appeared in human form. We
are blessed as humans to know that our Creator
loved us so much that He would become like us in
order to redeem us. (See Psalm 85.) As a result,
we now have the opportunity and privilege of
heaven if we receive His redemptive work through
the new birth.
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II. Let This Mind (B)
Pilate challenged Jesus attitude of serving when
Jesus refused to talk with him. Pilate claimed to
have the power to crucify and the power to
release Him (John 1910). Jesus spoke a great
principle for all humans concerning power over
people Thou couldest have no power at all
against me, except it were given thee from above
(John 1911).
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II. Let This Mind (B)
Indeed, all power in government on earth comes
from God. Furthermore, a person who claims to be
under Gods authority will govern with the same
attitude that the Lord exemplified. Jesus
attitude portrayed a loving Lord rather than a
crucifying dictator (John 317).
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II. Let This Mind (C)

1. Jesus Became Obedientunto Death

The obedience of Christ unto death is the
ultimate example of submission. As God, Jesus
could have destroyed those who were to crucify
Him, yet He refrained from doing so. The Lord not
only submitted to the hands of those whom He had
created, but in His obedience, He also gave us
the ultimate leadership example.
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II. Let This Mind (C)
He endured this process because He saw the future
result for all mankind. The Cross exhibited
mankinds shameful effort to destroy the One who
caused mankind to experience guilt over his
sinful nature. However, our Lord suffered through
the ultimate efforts of mankinds judgment in
order to abolish sin and its penalty, death. (See
Romans 623 I Corinthians 1523-26.)
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II. Let This Mind (C)
People need not die for the gospel, for the Lord
needs a living sacrifice (Romans 121). John
wrote that we should lay down our lives for
others as did the Lord (I John 316). Our
sacrifice may not be in death itself, but in
giving ourselves to others as servants to the
will of God. Jesus died once for all the sins of
mankind, and He needs living people to go into
the entire world and tell the good news of
Christs provision for their redemption.
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II. Let This Mind (D)

1. Servanthood Is Rewarded

God rewards our service given to others, both now
and in eternity. Consider the scriptural account
of all nations gathering before God for the final
judgment (Matthew 2531-46). While the Bible
reveals numerous things that God will judge in
mankind, this passage provides insight into one
particular aspect of our lives that He will judge
and reward accordinglyour service given to
others.
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II. Let This Mind (D)
According to Jesus account, the sheep were
rewarded for works they had done for the Lord
even though they did not really understand doing
any of the things for Him. When they asked Him to
explain, Jesus answered, And the King shall
answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least
of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me
(Matthew 2540)
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Reflections
For many years, sailing around the southernmost
tip of Africa, now known as the Cape of Good
Hope, seemed impossible and probably was thought
to be more the cape of no hope. In 1487,
Bartholomeu Dias, from Portugal, successfully
sailed around it and named it the Cape of Storms.
It was later renamed the Cape of Good Hope. Our
Lord has sailed ahead of us through the area of
no hope and storms, and as a result we now
have a hope that is steadfast and sure.
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Reflections
Jesus taught the principle of service to others
and servanthood when He washed the feet of His
disciples. He further taught that those who serve
others would become great in His kingdom.
Certainly, our world is in need of people who
will serve, helping hurting people with godly
love and ministry.
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Reflections
Ministry is not easy work it requires great
sacrifice and effort as we labor in the field of
the Lord. To make matters more difficult, there
are those who claim to be ministers of the Lord
but who are not performing ministry for the right
reasons, and they cause problems for those who do
work to serve others in the kingdom of God. The
Lord suffered the same challenges while here on
earth, but He provided the ideal model for
service.
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Reflections
Serving is ministry, and God will reward it
eternally. Many stars will appear in the crowns
of those who have served the Lord and given
themselves to the cause of righteousness. By
continuing in Gods will of serving others, we
will someday pass from this world of confusion to
the land of eternal peace and take many others
with us.