Kenny Kopta
Apr 26, 2025
Jesus Rolled Up His Sleeves
Kindle the Word (Scripture)
John 13:3-5 (NIV)
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power… so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
Stoke the Spirit (Reflection)
Can you just imagine it?
Jesus got up from the table after having a close, intimate meal with His disciples and starting to roll up His sleeves.
If I were sitting there as a disciple, I would have looked at Him wondering, “What are you up to now?”
But it was not beneath Jesus to humble Himself. It was not beneath Him to roll up His sleeves, kneel down, and serve.
It’s a reminder, Jesus came to earth, the Creator stepping into His creation.
When we think of God, we often imagine Him seated on a throne in Heaven, high and lifted up, pure, holy, untouched by the dirt of this world.
And yet, when humanity was broken and separated by sin, Jesus didn’t stand at a distance.
He rolled up His sleeves.
He left the glory of Heaven and entered the grit and grime of earth, born in a stable taking on flesh like he created from the dust, walking dusty roads, touching the diseased, eating with sinners, kneeling to wash His disciples’ dirty feet.
In John 13, the King of Kings, fully aware of His power, removed His outer garment, tied a towel around His waist, and knelt to serve.
This was not weakness. This was strength in action.
Real love doesn’t stay clean and comfortable. Real love steps into the mess.
Real love rolls up its sleeves.
And at the cross, Jesus rolled them up one final time. He bore our sin, our shame, our punishment. He didn’t just say He loved us, He showed it.
Fireside Thoughts (Devotional Insight)
I’ve fought the battle with the flesh, pride, anger, lust, selfishness, and it’s a fight that never asks for permission to hit. About the time I felt comfortable, thinking I had it handled, wham… there it was again.
Maybe you know that feeling too. The good news? Jesus knows it, and He doesn’t shame us for the fight.
But here’s the truth:
We can’t beat the flesh with the flesh. We need Jesus, the One who doesn’t fold His arms and shake His head at our mess.
He rolls up His sleeves, steps into the dust with us, and says, “Let Me fight this battle with you.” He fights with us. He meets us right in the middle of the battle, not to condemn, but to cleanse, restore, and strengthen.
Our Savior didn’t just talk about love. He showed it by getting His hands dirty for us. Now He calls us to follow Him, even when it’s messy.
Embers to Carry (Challenge)
In you…
Where are you still trying to fight your flesh alone?
Where are you hiding behind shame instead of inviting Jesus into the battle?
Through you…
How is Jesus calling you to roll up your sleeves and serve someone close to you, even when it’s uncomfortable, messy, or inconvenient?
Beyond you…
Who around you needs to experience the kind of love that steps into the dust, the love that doesn’t stay distant but draws near?
Ignite Action (Application)
Invite Jesus into the real struggles you’re facing this week. Don’t hide the fight, bring it to Him.
Serve someone in a way that costs you your comfort, roll up your sleeves for someone else’s good.
Confess to a brother where you’re fighting alone and let them walk with you.
Gather ’Round (F180 Group Connection)
Where are you trying to clean yourself up before letting Jesus in?
What keeps you from “rolling up your sleeves” to serve others?
How can we fight alongside each other, not alone, this week?
Fan the Flames (Prayer)
“Jesus, thank You for not staying distant. Thank You for stepping into our dust and fighting for us. Teach us to roll up our sleeves, to love boldly, to serve humbly, and to fight the battles of our flesh through Your Spirit, not our strength. Strengthen us to live like You...sleeves rolled up, hearts wide open. In Your Most Holy Name we pray,
Amen.”
Keep It Burning (Memory Verse)
Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”