Foot washing

John 13:1–17 ESV

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

The Heart of a Servant: Leading Through Sacrifice

Bible Passage: John 13:1–17

Summary: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates profound humility and service by washing His disciples' feet, teaching them the essential qualities of servant leadership through His actions during the Last Supper.

Application: This sermon encourages believers to embrace servant leadership in their own lives, reminding them that true leadership is marked by humility, love, and a willingness to sacrifice for others. It challenges them to consider how they can serve those around them, particularly in a culture that often prioritizes power and position.

Teaching: The key teaching is that leadership from a biblical perspective is not about authority or control but about serving others selflessly. Jesus' act of washing His disciples’ feet serves as a model for how we should relate to one another, putting others' needs above our own.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Jesus embodies the essence of sacrificial love and leadership, which points to His ultimate act of service on the Cross. His washing of the disciples' feet foreshadows the greater sacrifice He would make, emphasizing that true greatness is found in service and humility before God and others.

Big Idea: True leadership is found in serving others selflessly, as exemplified by Christ, who calls us to love and sacrifice for one another.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider studying the historical context of foot washing within Jewish culture, which can be explored in your Logos library. Look into commentaries that discuss the significance of Jesus' actions in John 13, as well as any potential cultural or theological implications in the surrounding passages. Additionally, examining other instances of servanthood in the life of Jesus can deepen your understanding of this theme.

1. Beginning with Humility

John 13:1-5

You could begin by highlighting how Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper sets the tone for His teaching on servant leadership. Perhaps emphasize how this humble act is a powerful example of placing others above oneself, as Christ did on the cross. This opening act underlines the importance of starting with humility in leadership, compelling leaders to consider how they can serve others selflessly.

2. Breaking Misconceptions of Power

John 13:6-11

Maybe explore Peter’s initial resistance to Jesus washing his feet, showing how true service involves overcoming misconceptions about power and prestige. Highlight how Jesus’ response to Peter illustrates the necessity of receiving Christ’s cleansing, symbolizing the inward purification we need to lead and serve others properly. This point challenges us to accept our need for spiritual cleansing as we endeavor to serve like Christ.

3. Becoming Examples of Service

John 13:12-15

Perhaps examine how Jesus explains the significance of His actions to the disciples, teaching them to follow His example. Discuss how He explicitly calls them to emulate His humble service, underscoring that leadership is not about status but actions of love and service. This point encourages the congregation to adopt humility as a modus operandi in their daily interactions.

4. Blessed in Practicing Service

John 13:16-17

Consider focusing on Jesus’ declaration of blessing for those who practice what He has taught. Maybe stress the importance of active implementation of servant leadership principles, which leads to a blessed life. Highlight that true contentment and joy come from serving others as Jesus did, urging believers to find joy in sacrifice and service.

John 13:1–17 ESV

Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.