SF082 - CHRIST'S EXAMPLE FOR US (John 13 12-20)

Christ's Example For Us

June 16, 2002

John 13:12-20

Introduction

In the previous passage (John 13:1-11), we witness the Lord washing the feet of His disciples.  We discussed the spiritual significance of the Lord's act.  In today's study, we will examine the more practical side of His act.

1A.      Our Lord's Humility (13:12-17)

1B.      The Lord's question (13:12)

The Lord Jesus introduces His teaching on humility by asking the disciples if they understand what He has just done to them.  Obviously, they understood that He had washed their feet; they knew well the practice.  What Jesus was doing now was pointing them and us to the spiritual and practical application of His actions.

2B.      The Lord's authority (13:13)

He calls himself "master," didaskalos; teacher.  The Lord was addressed this way thirty-one times; He referred to himself this way eight times.  The word is equivalent to "Rabbi," the title for dignity conferred by students on their teachers. He also refers to Himself as "Lord," kurios; literally owner, it expresses authority and lordship.

In the NT, the disciples never refer to Christ as Jesus.  They always refer to Him as Lord (Matthew 14:28, 26:22; Luke 9:54, 24:33, 34; John 14:5, 21:7).  This is instructive for us we should always refer to Him as Lord never as Jesus, thus showing the proper respect.

3B       The Lord's instructions (13:14-15)

The Lord is not commanding us to literally wash one another's feet, although He is not eliminating that as a possibility.  What He is doing is calling us to a spirit of servanthood that is willing to die to complete humble oneself in order to serve another.

"It is a call to lovingly care for others that regards no task as too menial, no service too great.  Nothing should stand in our way of ministering humbly to all."[1]

4B.      The Lord's expectation and encouragement (13:16-17)

Jesus expects us to follow His example.  (13:16)

The Lord's encouragement (13:17)

Ø      What things?

Place our feet in His hands for cleansing (John 13:8).

Know Christ as "Master and Lord."

Willingly serve others in the same way as Christ (13:15).

2A.      Our Lord's Prophecy (13:18-20)

In verse 18-20, our Lord fulfills His role of prophet.

1B.      The prophecy expressed (13:18)

The quotation is from Psalm 41:9, where David laments the treacherous act of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15-17).  Ahithophel would hang himself as would Judas.

In Jesus' day, to eat bread with someone was a sign of friendship and loyalty.  For one who had eaten bread at someone's table to turn against the person was a great and bitter act of treason.  Jesus prophesied that one of His closest followers would betray Him.

We must ask ourselves “Am I really a child of God or am I (like Judas) just in the company of God's people?”

2B.      The prophecy explained (13:19)

The reason for Christ giving this prophecy was so that the disciples would not waiver in their faith.  Indeed, when they would witness His betrayal, it would affirm His deity and their belief in Him.

In the same way, it should strengthen our faith in the Lord and in His Word.  The fulfillment of prophecy should cause us to love the Lord and the Scriptures all the more.  We love God's Word, because like the Lord, it is perfect and eternal.  Therefore, we should study and memorize Scripture (Psalm 119:11).

3B.      The prophecy applied (13:20)

In spite of the fact that Judas betrayed Him, the Lord has chosen us as His representatives.  Unfortunately, there still are those today who betray the Lord.  But to His glory, He still chooses us to serve as His representatives about whom He says, “Whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sends me.”

Application

1.           Do you have a servant’s heart?

2.           Do you serve others like Christ?

3.           Will you ask the Lord to make you a servant?

4.           Are you really a child of God, or am I (like Judas, just in the company of God's people?

5.           Are you representing Christ?

Preparing for next Week

1.           Read John 13:21-38.

2.           What three things are implied in verse 22?

3.           Why did not Peter ask the Lord directly, verse 24?

4.           In how many respects was the Son of man glorified at the Cross, verse 31?

5.           What attributes of God were glorified at the Cross, verse 31?

6.           In what sense was it a “new commandment,” verse 34?

7.           What is the meaning of verse 34?

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[1] Phillips, John, Exploring the Gospels: John, (Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1989), 252.