01. My Life Has Purpose

John 13:1–5 KJV 1900

1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Growing we had foot washing and communion service

I don’t believe that what God had in mind

John 13:14 KJV 1900

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

This is the verse we used growing up but I believe Jesus was talking about being a servant

Philippians 2:7 KJV 1900

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant”

Jesus, the Messiah, the son of God, got down on his knees and humbled himself before his followers.

Why? That was his purpose. To serve. 

The very next day Jesus would die on a cross for the world. But not before He left us with a powerful example.

After loving God with all our heart, soul and mind, Jesus says the second greatest command is to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22:36–40 KJV 1900

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Our purpose is clear: Love God. Love people. 

In that upper room, Jesus washed the feet of Peter who would deny Him, Thomas who would doubt Him, and Judas who would betray Him.

I. We See Humility He Demonstrated

John 13:4 KJV 1900

“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments”

Jesus laid aside the Son of God garment, the teacher and Rabbi garment and put on the servant garment

A. He was Conscious of His Identity

John 13:3 KJV 1900

“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands”

Secure identity produces selfless humility.

B. He was Contradicting in His Action

The creator, who is above all and over all……. He stooped. He girded Himself. with a towel and He washed feet

C. He Conquered Through Meekness

He did not assert authority — He expressed charity.

Our purpose is not to defend our dignity, but to display His deity through humility.

You cannot wash feet while standing tall in pride.

II. We See The Heart He Displayed

(He Loved His Enemies)

John 13:1 KJV 1900

“having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”

A. Love Despite Betrayal

Judas’ feet were in His hands before silver was in Judas’ hands.

B. Love Despite Denial

Peter’s feet were washed though his courage would fail.

C. Love Despite Desertion

Every disciple would scatter — yet every foot was washed.

This is not selective love.

This is supernatural love.

Matthew 5:44 KJV 1900

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

Christ did not merely command it — He modeled it.

Our purpose is fulfilled when we serve those who do not deserve it.

III. We See The Height Of His Declaration

(He Defined Our Purpose)

John 13:15 KJV 1900

“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

This was not a suggestion. It was a standard.

A. We Are Given A Pattern to Follow

“As I have given you…” — Christ is our template.

B. We Are Given A Principle to Practice

Servanthood is not ceremonial; it is continual.

C. We Are Given A Promise to Experience

John 13:17 KJV 1900

“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

Joy is found in the service of others.

Blessing is found in the bending and stooping low

Our purpose is not platform — it is patterning our lives after Him.