Good morning, and Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible women in our lives— whether you’re a mother by birth, by choice, by mentorship, or simply by being a loving presence. Today we celebrate you—for serving us, teaching us, and praying for us. An unknown author said this, “In every unseen Act of Love, a mother mirrors the hands of Christ washing feet.” Since it’s Mother’s Day, I want to lovingly “pick on” us ladies for just a moment… because I am one. There’s an old saying that goes: “A man builds a house, but a woman makes it a home.” And let’s be honest—many of us excel in the “making it a home” department. Leave me alone in Hobby Lobby for more than ten minutes, and chances are, I’m coming home with something to make our house just a little more “homey.” Let me give you a few examples: 1. Throw Pillows Anyone else have a thing for throw pillows? Brian, my husband, once calculated that it takes him an extra 80 seconds each day to put the decorative pillows back on the bed when he makes it. He did the math—because of course he did—and here’s what he came up with: • That’s 8 hours a year just spent fluffing and arranging pillows. • And over our 23 years of marriage, that adds up to more than 186 hours—that’s over a full week of his life just moving pillows! He says they’re pointless. I say they make the bed look cozy. And I’m not even going to mention the throw pillows on the couch, in the guest room, or the holiday throw pillow situation. Christmas is next-level around our house when it comes to the decorative pillows. 2. Decorative Towels There was a time in our marriage when I had decorative towels in the bathrooms—not to be touched. They were purely for aesthetic purposes. Brian and the kids couldn’t stand it. “Why have a towel that you can’t use?” they’d ask. Their purpose was supposed to be functional, but I had reassigned them to just look pretty and impress guests. These are silly examples, but they point to something true about the heart of a woman: we have a God-given ability to create, nurture, and elevate our spaces and our people —to turn ordinary moments into meaningful ones.
Today, we’re going to look at someone who did exactly that—Jesus. At the Last Supper, He didn’t decorate the room, but He did something even more powerful. He took off His robe, picked up a towel, and redefined what it means to lead, to love, and to serve. Stand with me as we read the Word of God in John 13:1-17 ” Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.[a] 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas,[b] son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. 6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” 10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet,[c] to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” What a powerful and intimate moment we just read. Before we unpack the towel Jesus put on, let’s pause and remember what we’ve been building together over the last few weeks with our “Everyday Faith” series. We started with Prayer Every Day—because communication with God is the foundation of relationship with Him. Pastor Kevin challenged us to not just pray when we’re desperate or need something, but to build a daily rhythm of prayer: praising God, seeking His will, and listening to His voice. Then we added Scripture Every Day—because we can’t follow God if we don’t know His Word. We’ve been learning that daily time in Scripture doesn’t have to be hours long or overly complicated, but it does have to be consistent. Reading, meditating, and applying God’s Word strengthens our faith and directs our steps. This week, we’re adding another tool to our spiritual toolbox: Service Every Day. If prayer connects us vertically to God, and Scripture feeds us spiritually, then service puts our faith into action horizontally—it blesses others. It’s where the inward transformation we’re experiencing begins to show outwardly. Service Every Day isn’t about adding another burden to your schedule. It’s about adopting a posture of humility and readiness. It’s waking up with this mindset: “Lord, show me who I can serve today.” That might be big or small—praying with a co-worker, writing a note to encourage someone, doing the dishes without being asked, volunteering at church, or just pausing to listen when someone needs to talk. It’s choosing to wear the towel Jesus wore—not once a year, not just on Sundays—but every day. Jesus, fully aware that His time had come… knowing the suffering ahead… knowing that one would betray Him, another would deny Him, and the rest would scatter— He still chose to kneel. To serve. To love. This is the last thing that Jesus does for His disciples before heading to the cross. He took off His robe—something that signified position and honor—and instead, He wrapped a towel around his waist. And in doing so, He showed us what true service looks like. That towel wasn’t just a piece of cloth. It became a symbol—a symbol of who He is, and how He calls us to live. So let’s walk through what Jesus really put on that night… BRIAN, I have linen “towels” with each of these words on them. I was thinking of starting the message with the towels draped around my neck, then taking them off one by one and hanging them on a quilt-rack-type stand. Towel of: I. Humility • Jesus, fully aware of His divine authority, chose to perform the task of the lowliest servant. • He stooped down to wash the disciples’ feet—an act that in Jewish culture was reserved for the lowest of the household servants. A. The Feet Were Disgusting • People wore sandals while walking dirt roads. • Their feet were filthy—dusty, cracked, calloused. • Roads were filled with animal manure and waste—an unsanitary, unpleasant combination. B. Cultural Context: Hebrew Hospitality • Foot washing was a sign of hospitality. • A servant would typically wash the feet of guests upon arrival. • It was not a glamorous act; it was expected, routine, and humble. C. Why It Mattered • Meals were not served at high tables with chairs. • Guests reclined on the floor, leaning on one arm and eating with the other. • Dirty feet would be close to someone’s face and food—so washing feet was both hygienic and respectful • They all knew feet washing had to happen, but no one stood up to do it except Jesus! • Jesus was both host and servant at the Last Supper. • He led by example—His authority didn’t exempt Him from service. D. No One Was Beneath Him • Jesus was both host and servant that night • Jesus consistently elevated those others called “the least of these.” • He demonstrated that greatness in the Kingdom of God is marked by service, not status. • In this moment, He chose to serve those who would: ◦ Deny Him (Peter), ◦ Abandon Him (the others), ◦ And even betray Him (Judas). Towel of…… III. Love • Jesus demonstrated a love that went beyond cultural norms and human expectations. • By washing His disciples’ feet, He showed a love that taught, humbled, and restored. A. Different Types of Love in Scripture 1. 2. Philia – Brotherly love, close friendship Storge – Family love 3. Eros – Romantic, passionate love 4. Agape – Selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love B. Agape Love • Agape is the highest form of love—a choice, not just a feeling. • Jesus embodied Agape love by: ◦ Serving others with humility ◦ Choosing to love despite rejection and betrayal ◦ Demonstrating a love the disciples had never encountered before Towel of IV. Obedience • Jesus’ act of foot washing was also one of obedience—to the Father’s will and to His mission on earth. A. Serving Humanity • His whole life modeled service: healing the sick, feeding the hungry, raising the dead. • Washing feet pointed to the ultimate service He would soon offer—dying on the cross. B. Foreshadowing the Cross • Just as He lowered Himself to wash their feet, He would soon lower Himself to suffer and die. • Philippians 2:8 “ –And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” C. Submission to the Father’s Plan • Jesus didn’t serve for recognition; He served in obedience. • Even when faced with betrayal and death, His commitment did not waver. D. Call to Follow • His obedience is not just to be admired—but imitated. • We are called to serve with the same posture of humility, selflessness, love, and obedience. Jesus washing the disciples feet wasn’t suggesting the were equal, Instead He was demonstrating what Godly leadership looks like. Jesus defines greatness in terms of service not power. Who Should We Serve? If Jesus—the Son of God, the Savior of the world—chose to kneel, take up a towel, and serve, then we must ask ourselves: Who are we called to serve? It begins at home, grows in our church, and stretches out into the world. 1. Serve Your Family The very first place God calls us to serve is in our own homes. When relationships begin to suffer, it’s often because we’ve forgotten our first assignment: to serve one another. When serving stops, selfishness takes over. But when we choose to serve—intentionally, humbly, sacrificially—healing begins. Hearts soften. Conflicts settle. Love becomes real again. Husbands and Wives When a husband stops serving his wife—or a wife stops serving her husband— distance grows. But when service is present, love grows deeper. For nearly 23 years of marriage — yes, 23, we’re practically vintage — I’ve woken up to a perfect cup of coffee with homemade flavored foamed milk delivered to my bedside at 7:30 a.m. Every. Single. Morning. My husband serves me in this sacred, caffeine fueled ritual because he knows my love language is acts of service, and that it makes me feel seen and loved. Now, he’d probably tell you that making sure I have coffee is more of a public service than anything else. But hey, I’m not complaining! That’s service—quiet, consistent, and meaningful. Wives, serving your husband doesn’t mean losing your strength. It means loving him in the way he feels most cared for—not just the way you prefer to give. Children and Parents Kids—serving your parents isn’t just about obeying rules. It’s about honor. It’s about showing love by pitching in, being respectful, and showing gratitude. Parents—your children are watching you. The way you serve your family teaches them how to love others. Siblings and In-Laws Serving a sibling might mean choosing kindness over competition. And yes—even the in-laws. Sometimes the hardest people to serve are the ones we didn’t choose. But Jesus didn’t just serve those who were easy to love—He served everyone, even those who didn’t understand or appreciate Him. A true servant doesn’t just serve out of obligation—they learn how to love the people around them in the way they feel most valued. Not sure how you’re doing? Ask your family. And be ready to really listen. As I was writing this sermon, I asked Brian, “Do I serve you well?” Ask “what ways can I serve you better?” A servant not only serves, but knows how the one they love is best served. 2. Serve the Church Billy Graham once said: “The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.” Church, the needs are great—and our mission is clear: We are a church transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ. I see lives being transformed in this place every week, and it’s beautiful. But that’s only half the mission. Now we must bring hope to others. Our pastors and leaders are serving faithfully—but they can’t do it alone. We need you. Your hands. Your time. Your heart. There are so many great ministries going on here at COTN: • Kid’s Harbor • Hope Distributed (Food Bank) • Children’s Ministry • Youth Ministry • Worship & Tech • Outreach • Celebrate Recovery And the list goes on… Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” We want an incredible VBS, a strong kids ministry, powerful worship, and life-changing outreach—but those things only happen when we serve together. That means being willing to change diapers in the nursery, play games and teach Bible stories to preschoolers, sit with a group of 3rd graders and ask about their week, serve snacks, wipe down tables, or just show up consistently to remind a child they are seen, known, and loved by Jesus. It means jumping in with the youth ministry—showing up onSunday nights, leading a small group, cheering students on at their games or performances, and being a safe, steady adult who listens without judgment. It means supporting our worship and tech teams—not just singing or playing an instrument, but learning how to run slides, set up microphones, work a camera, or show up early to rehearse so someone else can encounter God through music without distraction. We enjoy the ability to stream church online, to hear beautiful worship, to read lyrics on a screen—but someone had to wake up early, Learn how to mix sound, and click the slides to make that happen. It means saying yes to Celebrate Recovery or Outreach teams, where you might serve meals, lead devotionals, greet people with dignity and warmth, or simply sit beside someone walking through addiction, grief, or struggle. It means helping with Hope Distributed—packing food boxes, lifting crates, smiling at families, or praying over someone who wonders how they’ll make it another week. It means serving in hospitality—holding a door, pouring coffee, cleaning up after others, and offering a warm welcome to those who don’t yet know they belong. It means preparing Communion, setting out the bread and juice with care, making sure everything is ready for the congregation to receive the sacred act of remembrance. If you’ve ever had a meaningful communion experience, there’s a team behind it, making it possible. It also means making a meal for a family going through bereavement, offering your love through something as simple and comforting as food, reminding them they’re not alone in their grief. And yes, it even means making sure the bathrooms are stocked with toilet paper and paper towels. If you’ve ever been grateful for a clean restroom on a Sunday morning, there’s a team behind that. The Sunday Facilities Team shows up a bit early and stays a bit after service late, and takes care of the spaces most people never notice—until something’s missing. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about awareness. Everything we love about this church exists because someone picked up a towel. Will you? 3. Serve the Community Jesus didn’t stay within synagogue walls—He walked into homes, villages, and streets. If we want to show the world Jesus, we have to step outside these doors. What does that look like for you? • Volunteer at a local school • Join a community board • Serve at the library • Coach a sports team • Help at a shelter • Show up for a neighbor Let the light of Christ shine in the everyday places people live and work. Let them see Jesus in you. Don’t Throw in the Towel—Put It On Too often, we’re ready to throw in the towel when life gets hard. But Jesus shows us a different way: Put the towel on. Craig Groeschel said: “You can make excuses, or you can make a difference—but you can’t make both.” And here’s the truth: As a pastor, I’ve attended many funerals, and not once have I heard anyone say, “They had the nicest things.” Sure, people mention their successes, and that’s nice, but what truly matters in the legacy we leave behind is how deeply we loved Jesus and how faithfully we served others. The happiest people aren’t the most successful, the wealthiest, or the most famous. They’re the ones who serve others with the most love and humility. Life isn’t measured by what you accomplish or the things you accumulate — it’s about the lives you touch and the difference you make. Invitation and Action Step: As we close, I invite each of you to come forward and take a towel—one towel per family. These towels are not just a symbol, but a reminder of purpose. Once you have your towel, gather into family groups, friend groups, or even just pairs. If you’re here alone today, Pastor Kevin and Ruth (STAFF???) are available to pray with you. In your groups, take a moment to pray and commit to serving your families better, your church better, and your community better. Remember, we all need accountability for our commitments, and this towel will serve as a tangible reminder of those commitments. Think about this: decorative towels are beautiful but often untouched, just there for display. Are we, in our spiritual lives, simply keeping ourselves for special occasions, or are we willing to be used every day for the work of the Kingdom? Self-preservation keeps us untouched, but it also keeps us completely useless. Real servants of Christ get dirty. They are willing to dive in and serve, day after day, no matter the cost. Before you leave today,. On the screen, or in the seat back in front of you, you’ll find a QR code or a paper form. Scan the QR code or fill out the paper form, committing to put on your towel and serve the church. Check off the areas of ministry you would like to know more about. It will only take you 30 seconds, but it will be the first step in making a difference in the Kingdom of God. Let’s act in service today. Come, take your towel, pray, and let’s begin making a lasting impact in our families, church, and community.