What Christ Left His Disciples

The Servant King: Christ Washes His Disciples' Feet

52 Sermons about Christ

John 13:14-15

Summary: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates humility and servanthood by washing the feet of His disciples, teaching them a powerful lesson in servant leadership.

Application: This passage challenges us to humble ourselves, serve others selflessly, and prioritize the needs of those around us. It reminds us that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving others with love and humility.

Teaching: This sermon teaches us the importance of humility, servanthood, and sacrificial love in our relationships with others. It emphasizes the transformative power of serving others with a Christ-like attitude.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage reflects the heart of Christ's ministry on earth, where He came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. It also echoes the prophetic image of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, who would bear the sins of many.

Big Idea: Through the humble act of washing His disciples' feet, Jesus teaches us the essence of true greatness in God's kingdom: sacrificial love and servanthood.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, consider exploring the cultural significance of foot washing in the ancient Near Eastern context using resources like the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible in Logos. Additionally, delve into the symbolism of foot washing in John's Gospel and its significance in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry and teachings. Use Logos Commentaries to gain deeper insights into the historical and theological implications of this act of servanthood.

1. Service in Humility

John 13:14

Perhaps discuss how Jesus, as the Servant King, models the ultimate example of humility and love by washing His disciples' feet, challenging us to adopt the same heart of servanthood and humility in our daily lives. This act underlines the Christian call to serve one another in love, echoing the big idea of sacrificial love and servanthood as true greatness in the kingdom of God.

2. Sacrificial Love Lived Out

John 13:15

Maybe explore the idea that Jesus not only taught His disciples through words but also through His actions, setting a living example for us to follow. This point could emphasize the application of Jesus' teaching in our own lives, urging us to live out the principles of servanthood and love in practical ways. The focus could also be on how Jesus, through His life and servanthood, fulfills the prophetic image of the suffering servant, highlighting the christocentric theme of sacrificial love.