The Disciples Meeting Jesus

INTRO

Theme for the series: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John

Theme: The disciples—a learner, student

What would the disciples have learned from Jesus, when He washed their feet?

Context

Place: upper room

Timing: Jesus and the disciples have gathered to eat the Passover (Lk 22:14-16); there’s a dispute among who will be greatest (Lk 22:24-30), Jesus then washes the feet of the apostles (Jn 13:1-17), predicts the betrayal, and the institutes the Lord’s Supper.

DISCUSSION

Love is not selective (2)

Judas was present (18, 21-30)

He leaves before the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Mt 26:25-26; Mk 14:21-22)

But was present for the washing of feet.

Obviously Jesus knew what Judas would do (JN 13:11)

Is there a greater example of loving your enemies (Mt 5:44-45)?

We do not get to choose to whom we will be kind.

Love requires action (3-5)

Jesus, fully aware of Who He was, got up (3-4)

He arose, took off his outer robe so he could work, took a linen cloth and tied it around himself, poured water and began moving around the table to wash feet.

Vs 5 The disciples and Jesus would have been around a short table, lying on their left sides with their feet away from the table.

1 Jn 3:18—talk is cheap

Love requires actions. Jesus got up. Jam 2:14-17

Love is often misunderstood (6-9)

Peter not understanding the object lesson bristles at the idea of the Messiah washing his feet.

Jesus: if you don’t learn to serve and love, you cannot be my disciple (8)

We must learn to love each other Gal 5:13-15; sometimes our love for someone is misunderstood (Gal 4:16)

Love meets a need (10-11)

The disciples had a need. Feet were dirty from walking in the streets in their sandals. Hospitality demanded to have water so travelers would wash their feet.

Jesus met the need.

Our love is to follow the example of Jesus (14-15)

To do “as” Jesus did (15)

The example is of humble service to others.

May be times where literal feet washing is appropriate but not in 2021 in America. It is not a need. Certainly not something authorized in the worship assembly.

Ex. going to help a widow around the house, helping an overwhelmed young mother

Love is humble (12-16)

Washing feet was reserved for women, children or slaves (1 Sam 25:41; Lk 7:38, 44-45; 1 Tim 5:10)

Jesus was their Master and Lord (13) yet served (16, Lk 22:26-27)

Servant leadership is the greatest form of leadership (Mt 20:28) Jesus perfected it.

Love is happiness (17)

True happiness comes from loving, humble service.

The up is down (Jam 4:10; 1 Pet 5:6)

EXHORTATION

What would the disciples have learned?

Love is not selective, takes action, may be misunderstood, meets a need, humble, and leads to happiness.

Have we learned the lesson?