Called To Be Servants
Called To Be Servants
Sunday, May 24th, 2026
Pastor Antonio Barboza
Historical evidence suggests that the last supper was likely eaten while reclining on floor cushions. This meant feet were near the person’s face next to them. For a few distinct cultural and societal reasons, washing someone else’s feet was considered a humiliating task in the first century. People were exposed to sandy, unpaved roadways that were littered with debris, animal feces, and dirt while wearing open sandals. People's feet were completely begrimed by the end of the day. Yet, Jesus, the son of God and king of the universe, chose to wash the feet of His disciples just before the Last Supper, as described in John 13. Serving is about the intentions of the heart. We must keep in mind Jesus washing feet and His sincere intentions when a chance to serve arises. We should want to serve one another.
Jesus Turns Water into Wine
In the year of the Lord, if you ran out of wine or other resources during a wedding, you were perceived as a poor host. John 2:9 illuminates the fact that Jesus humbly performed the miracle of turning water to wine in private amongst only the servants to save the host from embarrassment: “When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.”
There are two types of symbolism we can reflect on from Jesus performing His first miracle at a wedding. It reveals the beauty and holiness of the covenant. The greatest miracle is when a new believer has been redeemed because they begin a relationship with Jesus. The church is the bride, and Jesus is the bridegroom. Every Sunday is like a wedding reception. We come to celebrate our savior and hope that new people will enter a covenant with Jesus.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit, who fills and enables believers to live in God's power and use the gifts of the spirit, is symbolized by the new wine. Apostle Peter defends the early disciples against accusations that they were intoxicated in Acts 2:15: “For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.” This passage of scripture alludes to the fact that those of the world who lack discernment from the Holy Spirit would misperceive the supernatural joy and enthusiasm of believers who carry the Holy Ghost as though they were drunk. The new wine also signifies the new believer being predestined to be in a new vessel in accordance with Luke 5:37-38, “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” When you meet Jesus, you become a new creation, as stated in II Corinthians 5:17.
Jesus’ mother told the servants in John 2:5, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” The request Jesus made to fill the pots with water when they needed wine probably sounded like nonsense to the servants. Obedience means setting aside your agenda and trusting that everything will work out.
To be an effective servant, you need to have a cause. We learn about the story of David and Goliath in the Bible, I Samuel 17. David’s brothers belittled him for defending the honor of God and his people against Goliath. God used David to slay a giant. Through serving, God will reveal Himself to you. Serving requires sacrifice of your time. It requires your effort and your dedication. It should be something you do for God as a gift of your love for Him. Ask yourself one question. What is the one thing you do in life solely for God?
Sunday, May 24th, 2026
Pastor Antonio Barboza
Historical evidence suggests that the last supper was likely eaten while reclining on floor cushions. This meant feet were near the person’s face next to them. For a few distinct cultural and societal reasons, washing someone else’s feet was considered a humiliating task in the first century. People were exposed to sandy, unpaved roadways that were littered with debris, animal feces, and dirt while wearing open sandals. People's feet were completely begrimed by the end of the day. Yet, Jesus, the son of God and king of the universe, chose to wash the feet of His disciples just before the Last Supper, as described in John 13. Serving is about the intentions of the heart. We must keep in mind Jesus washing feet and His sincere intentions when a chance to serve arises. We should want to serve one another.
Jesus Turns Water into Wine
In the year of the Lord, if you ran out of wine or other resources during a wedding, you were perceived as a poor host. John 2:9 illuminates the fact that Jesus humbly performed the miracle of turning water to wine in private amongst only the servants to save the host from embarrassment: “When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.”
There are two types of symbolism we can reflect on from Jesus performing His first miracle at a wedding. It reveals the beauty and holiness of the covenant. The greatest miracle is when a new believer has been redeemed because they begin a relationship with Jesus. The church is the bride, and Jesus is the bridegroom. Every Sunday is like a wedding reception. We come to celebrate our savior and hope that new people will enter a covenant with Jesus.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit, who fills and enables believers to live in God's power and use the gifts of the spirit, is symbolized by the new wine. Apostle Peter defends the early disciples against accusations that they were intoxicated in Acts 2:15: “For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.” This passage of scripture alludes to the fact that those of the world who lack discernment from the Holy Spirit would misperceive the supernatural joy and enthusiasm of believers who carry the Holy Ghost as though they were drunk. The new wine also signifies the new believer being predestined to be in a new vessel in accordance with Luke 5:37-38, “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” When you meet Jesus, you become a new creation, as stated in II Corinthians 5:17.
Jesus’ mother told the servants in John 2:5, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” The request Jesus made to fill the pots with water when they needed wine probably sounded like nonsense to the servants. Obedience means setting aside your agenda and trusting that everything will work out.
To be an effective servant, you need to have a cause. We learn about the story of David and Goliath in the Bible, I Samuel 17. David’s brothers belittled him for defending the honor of God and his people against Goliath. God used David to slay a giant. Through serving, God will reveal Himself to you. Serving requires sacrifice of your time. It requires your effort and your dedication. It should be something you do for God as a gift of your love for Him. Ask yourself one question. What is the one thing you do in life solely for God?
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