You Have Loosed My Bonds

Humble Hearts, Lavished Love: The Foot Washing of Jesus

Bible Passage: John 13:1-17

Summary: In this powerful passage, Jesus demonstrates radical love and humility by washing the feet of His disciples, teaching them – and us – not only the importance of service but the depth of His love for humanity.

Application: This sermon reminds Christians that God's love is expressed in service to others. In their struggles with pride or feeling unworthy of love, the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet serves as a powerful encouragement to extend grace and love to those around them, no matter their status or condition.

Teaching: The teaching centers on the nature of Christian love as selfless and servant-hearted. It demonstrates that true love often manifests itself in humble service, challenging our understanding of what it means to love as Christ loves.

How this passage could point to Christ: This act of foot washing is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, showcasing that His love knows no bounds. It connects to the greater narrative of redemption, where Christ serves humanity despite their shortcomings, calling us to respond to such love with our own acts of service.

Big Idea: God's profound love calls us to humility and service, revealing that true greatness comes from loving others as Christ has loved us.

Recommended Study: For a deeper exploration, consider examining the cultural and historical context of foot washing in the first century using your Logos library, which may reveal nuances about honor and humility in the ancient world. Additionally, research various views on servanthood in the Gospels to draw connections between humility and discipleship. Finally, look into commentaries that explore the theological implications of Jesus' actions, especially in light of his divine nature and mission.

1. Humble Beginnings: Radical Love

John 13:1-5

You could begin by highlighting Jesus' awareness of His approaching crucifixion, yet His choice to demonstrate love and humility through the washing of His disciples' feet. This point could emphasize how true love and humility go hand in hand, similar to how God loves us despite our shortcomings and calls us to act in humble service toward others.

2. Human Pride: Accept Divine Service

John 13:6-11

Perhaps you explore how Peter resists Jesus' act of washing his feet, representing human pride and misunderstanding of divine service. Jesus' response could then be used to teach Christians that accepting God's grace and love often requires humility that transcends personal pride.

3. Heavenly Example: True Greatness

John 13:12-17

You could conclude with Jesus explaining the significance of His actions, urging His disciples to follow His example. He teaches that true greatness is found not in status, but in service. This point encourages Christians to apply this Christ-like love through humble service, revealing God's boundless love through everyday acts.

Humble Hearts, Lavished Love: A Maundy Thursday Sermon John 13:1-17

Good evening, beloved.

Tonight, we find ourselves in an upper room—a quiet place, a somber place—where time slows and the noise of the world fades, if only for a moment. Jesus, knowing that the hour has come, kneels before His disciples. He doesn’t take up a crown, a sword, or a throne. He takes a towel. A basin. And He washes feet.

This is not the kind of love that plays to applause. It’s not the kind of greatness that makes headlines. It’s the kind of love that whispers, “I see you, all of you, and I will serve you anyway.”

A woman spent her Saturdays volunteering at a local homeless shelter. She would prepare meals, serve food, and sit down to listen to the stories of those she served. No cameras were there, no recognition, just a woman quietly loving others in need. She embodied the greatness of service not seeking applause but simply whispering to those she helped, 'I see you.'

1. Humble Beginnings: Radical Love (John 13:1–5)

Jesus knows the cross is coming. The weight of betrayal, the sting of denial, the pain of separation from those He loves—it’s already pressing on Him. And yet, in these final hours, He doesn't retreat. He kneels.

He kneels before those who still don’t fully understand Him. He kneels before the feet that will scatter. He even kneels before Judas.

In a world where power struggles dominate, envision a leader who chooses to kneel rather than stand tall, someone like former president Jimmy Carter. He built houses for those who were in need. This act shocks onlookers; it challenges their perceptions of authority. Jesus embodied this unexpected strength: kneeling before those who would later abandon Him reminds us that true leadership is grounded in service and understanding, rather than mere ambition. His humility calls us to serve others, especially those who may not grasp the significance of our faith.

Because that’s what love does. Real love humbles itself. Real love gets dirty. Real love shows up not with status, but with service.

2. Human Pride: Accept Divine Service (John 13:6–11)

Peter’s reaction? It's familiar. “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Peter protests because this doesn’t make sense. The Lord doesn’t serve the servant. And yet, here is Jesus, inviting Peter—and us—to receive grace that we haven’t earned and cannot repay.

Some of us have a hard time accepting that kind of love. Maybe we feel unworthy. Maybe we feel like we’ve failed too many times. But here’s the truth, divine love isn't about worthiness.It's about willingness—God’s willingness to stoop, to wash, to serve, and ultimately, to save.

3. Heavenly Example: True Greatness (John 13:12–17)

After washing their feet, Jesus looks at His disciples and says, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He’s not just talking about clean feet. He’s giving them a picture of what greatness looks like in the Kingdom of God. It's not about power or prestige. It's about presence. It’s about loving others the way He loved us—lavishly, humbly, resolutely.

And that’s what tonight is about. It’s not just about what Jesus did. It’s about what He set in motion.

He walked toward Jerusalem. He faced the garden. He took the cup. And He said, “Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.”

The “Nevertheless” of Love

That word—nevertheless—is the heart of Maundy Thursday. It’s the heart of every act of service, every choice to forgive, every sacrifice made in love.

And tonight, whether we kneel to wash feet or kneel at the Table, we do so in awe. Awe that Christ would kneel before us. That He would cleanse us, claim us, and love us—still.

And when we rise, we rise to walk in His Spirit. To serve like He did. To love like He does.

As the prayer after Communion reminds us:

“Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.”

May we carry the towel and basin with us—not just tonight, but tomorrow, and every day after. May we rise to serve, with humble hearts and lavished love. And may we never forget: True greatness bends low in love.

Amen.