Communion Service

John 13:1-20 

            As part of this morning’s service we will observe one of two ordinances held by our church.  Communion, the Lord’s Supper, reminds us of the things our Savior suffered to purchase our salvation.  It is important to understand the history of the ordinance.

·        Genesis 3:  God sheds blood to cover man’s sin

·        Genesis 22:  God supplies the ram after instructing Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac

·        Exodus 12:  The Israelites kill the Passover Lamb, beginning an unending tradition to remind men of God’s deliverance

·        Isaiah 53:  The Lamb of God declared to be the suffering Messiah

·        John 1:  The Lamb identified as Jesus of Nazareth

And now, returning to our scripture, we discover Jesus and His disciples celebrating their last Passover together.  The followers of Messiah were entirely unaware of the events that would transpire within the next 72 hours or so.  Luke records that the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest in the coming kingdom.  Jesus’ heart must have been near breaking because they were still not prepared for what He was about to do. 

What He did next has caused some of our brethren to institute a third ordinance.  Jesus rose from the table, wrapped Himself in a towel and began to wash the disciples feet.  Ordinarily the lowest servant present performed this task.  The disciples were so filled with their individual importance that none but Peter raised an objection to what Jesus was doing.

I believe there were three reasons Jesus felt compelled to act as their servant: (1.) He knew that the hour of His sacrifice had come, (2.) He loved His disciples and wanted to set them an example for how they should love one another, and (3.) He knew the enemy was about to betray Him and time was limited.

 I.                   The Hour Of His Sacrifice Had Come

A.    The great plan of God had reached its critical moment

B.     Every Messianic prophecy pointed to this moment

II.                He Wanted To Set His Disciples An Example

A.    The Church would be built upon service

1.      Church government is bottom up

2.      We are to love one another and to bear each other’s burdens

B.     There is no place for prideful ness in the body of Christ

III.             Events Were Moving Very Fast

A.    Satan had entered Judas and was anxious for Jesus’ death

B.     Jesus’ example would be remembered by the disciples in the days following the Resurrection

If we would really serve the Lord, we must first serve one another.  There are two lessons here to be learned:

1.      Greatness equals service

There is need for daily repentance