Who is Jesus?

“Jesus the Example”

John 13:3-10 “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 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. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.”

I. Intro

Jesus was an extraordinary servant. Perhaps we will never fully comprehend why He chose the first century to come and serve mankind. However, we can know that through his example of serving He has made more of an impact than any other leader we know. Even today He gains followers by the minute and leads us through difficult times by serving our needs. However, we know that the impact He has doesn't stop there. His impact is eternal. I know in my life His service to mankind has made an eternal impact. Many times we fail to realize that each and every decision we make has an eternal impact. Perhaps the most important thing we should know is that only through service to others can we make the kind of impact that is both eternal and imitates the impact Christ had. Imagine for a moment that every one in this church chose to serve as Christ served? How would our world be different if all Christians around the world served like Jesus served-with humility, putting himself last. John 13:15 “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” Do you remember the “What Would Jesus Do?” craze? While we don’t hear or see it as much now, it’s still out there. The intent is that we use Jesus’ example in the various decisions and activities of our lives as a guide for what we should do.

II. Following Jesus example is Biblical

Following Jesus’ example is biblical. The Apostle Paul used it as the only ground for his own life to be used as a model. 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Let’s first, however, consider ways in which Jesus is our example.

His example in servanthood

Being a servant is as much of an attitude as it is action. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:5-8) You can do acts of service and still not be a servant if your motivation is rooted in selfish ambition, if your intended outcome is recognition, and if your ultimate purpose is to benefit yourself in some way. True servanthood begins with selflessness, maintains humility throughout, and ultimately seeks the good of others which requires the right heart attitude. Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, even though He was in very nature God.” Having the attitude of Jesus means we will not let position, status, or superior qualities and skills get in the way of serving. Servants are not status seekers but rather display humility. Having the attitude of Jesus begins with a choice. He purposefully laid aside all the glories of heaven to come to earth as a human baby. Still God, He chose to grow and live as a man who would suffer a humiliating and cruel death for us. Having the attitude of Jesus requires certain heart qualities. He didn’t put on a front. It wasn’t a contrived effort on His part but was real because it was the essence of who He was. Having the attitude of Jesus means we will identify with those we serve. Jesus not only came to where we live but became one of us. Jesus, “being found in appearance as a man humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”

ii. His example in suffering

1 Peter 2:21 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” Following Jesus’ example is not always glamorous or easy but these are two aspects that highlighted Jesus’ life. Are we willing to follow His example in laying aside our sense of entitlement and perhaps even in laying aside our very lives? Notice how Philippians 2:5-8 refers to these same qualities in Jesus as a mindset, or attitude, not just a part of what Jesus would do (WWJD). Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Following Jesus’ example, then, involves our inward being, not just our outward actions. Are we willing to let His example affect us to the core of our being?

III. Following Jesus is a Command

1. To do something “just as” or “as” Jesus, implies following His example in that area. — “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” Love as He loves. Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Forgive as he forgives. Col. 3:13 “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Following Jesus example, then, affects all areas of our walk with Him, of the way we serve, of the way we live. Are we willing to yield all of who we are to Him?

IV. Conclusion

1. Maundy (from Old French mandé, from Latin mandatum meaning "command"),[1] or the Washing of the Feet, or Pedelavium,[2] is a religious rite observed by various Christian denominations. The Latin word mandatum is the first word sung at the ceremony of the washing of the feet, "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos", from the text of John 13:34 in the Vulgate ("I give you a new commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you", John 13:34). This is also seen as referring to the commandment of Christ that believers should emulate his loving humility in the washing of the feet (John 13:14–17). The term mandatum (mandé, maundy), therefore, was applied to the rite of foot-washing on the Thursday preceding Easter Sunday, called Maundy Thursday. The root of this practice appears to be found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the chief footwear. A host would provide water for guests to wash their feet, provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests or even serve the guests by washing their feet. This is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament of the Bible (e.g. Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; I Samuel 25:41; et al.), as well as other religious and historical documents. A typical Eastern host might bow, greet, and kiss his guest, then offer water to allow the guest to wash his feet or have servants do it. Though the wearing of sandals might necessitate washing the feet, the water was also offered as a courtesy even when shoes were worn. The foot washing, described in the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of John, is concerned with the Latin title of Servus servorum dei ("Servant of the Servant of God"), which was historically reserved to the Bishops and to the Pope, also called the Bishop of Rome. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, commissioned the Twelve to be Servant of the Servant of God, and this calling to the Imitation of Christ has been firstly extended to all the bishops of the Church as the direct successors of the Apostles. Many Baptists observe the literal washing of feet as a third ordinance. The communion and foot washing service is practiced regularly by members of the Separate Baptists in Christ, General Association of Baptists, Free Will Baptists, Primitive Baptists, Union Baptists, Old Regular Baptist, Christian Baptist Church of God.[23] Feet washing is also practiced as a third ordinance by many Southern Baptists, General Baptists, and Independent Baptists. The Gospel of John is the only gospel that records this act of Jesus. It is commonly understood by us now that much of what Jesus said and did was not understood by the disciples at the time that Jesus was among them. It was not until later when it was revealed to them through the Holy Spirit that Jesus was fulfilling what had been written in the law, prophets and the psalms. Peter was focused on the physical act that was being performed and was appalled that His Master would be a servant to him, but Jesus kept deflecting to a deeper, more spiritual meaning. Jesus said, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Now, does this really fit in the context of service or humility? He also said, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason, He said, “Not all of you are clean.” Suddenly this act that Jesus performed comes into sharper focus, Jesus wasn’t talking about the need for their feet to be clean, nor was He doing this merely because a servant had not been provided, as was customary in those days. Jesus was stating that unless their sins are washed away that they can have no part with Him. The disciples, even at this late stage of Christ’s time with them still did not grasp what Christ’s mission on this earth was truly all about. They were still seeking an earthly, physical kingdom, not realizing that His kingdom was not of this earth, but was spiritual. This simple act was to show that unless they be washed away of their sins, they cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The message of repentance and forgiveness was at the very heart of Christ’s teachings.