Finally and Forever

Introduction

Lauren, Rachel, Nick, Owen, Shelly. We are here for you today. We’re excited for you.

It is not an accident that you are here. It is not an accident that you are graduating this year. God planned the date of your birth - you are exactly how old you need to be. He called you to be a student - you have faithfully fulfilled that calling. We want to celebrate that!

Church family, thank you for being here to celebrate these students. This sends a powerful message to the rest of our children and youth that we care about them.

Parents, we know this time is bitter sweet. I do not fully understand that, as my children are still very young. But I promised I cried putting the senior video together, I cannot imagine (and your kids cannot imagine) how you feel. But some of the parents around you might be able to understand.

Transition to John 13

It was the phrase “bitter sweet” that led me to our place in the Bible this morning, which is John 13:1-5. So if you would, stand with me while we read that passage of Scripture.

John 13:1–5 CSB

Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Now when it was time for supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray him. Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.

You may be seated.

What a sweet moment for the disciples. A cozy setting. A memorable meal. With Jesus’ gentle and lowly heart on display. Yet also, what a bitter moment. Something draws to a close. Or at least… something is about to change.

Transition to Sermon

What did this moment mean for the disciples, and what might it mean for us today? I want us to focus on the imagery of Jesus washing the disciples feet. And I want to ask, “What does it mean for Lauren, Rachel, Nick, Owen, and Shelly today?” I think it sends three messages, each has three words; so nine words total. Parents, pay attention because these are the words I want you speak over your child at the end of the service.

“I love you”

And the first message is this. When Jesus washes the disciples feet, he is acting out his love for them. He is saying, “I love you.”

That is why verse one ends the way it does, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” The footwashing scene is part of the story of Jesus’ love, and it helps to explain what kind of love Jesus had for his disciples, and what kind of love he has for you.

It is the kind of love that stoops down and serves.

Footwashing in the first century was dirty business. Streets were dusty, used by people and animals (if you know what I mean). And so, washing feet was a part of the culture. It was one of the first things that a host would provide for a dinner guest, though the host himself or herself did not do the washing. In Jewish culture, a slave would bring a bowl of water, and the guest would wash their own feet. In Greek culture, the slave would both bring the water and wash the guest’s feet.

What Jesus did was, therefore, very surprising. He took the role of a slave. This is the one they called “Teacher” and “Lord.” This is the one they wanted to crown king. Why would he act like a servant and treat them like kings? The simple answer is that he did it because he loved them. He wanted to serve them. They were his friends.

If you can believe it, that is also how Jesus feels about you.

If you can only remember one thing, remember that God loves you. Because this is the one thing that changes everything. When Jesus stooped down, he was not only revealing his own heart; he was revealing the heart of God the Father. Before Jesus came, the world did not know that God was love. He demonstrated this so powerfully that today we take it for granted. But his disciples were surprised—maybe even confused—at the depth of his love.

Of course, when Jesus washes the disciples feet, he is foreshadowing his own death on the cross, and his blood that washes away our sins.

It is not a coincidence that this footwashing happened before the Passover festival. This is Jesus saying, “I am the Passover lamb.” Moses told the Israelites, when they were enslaved in Egypt, to sacrifice a lamb and put some of its blood on their doorframe. This would be enough for the angel of death to pass over their house so that they would be spared God’s judgment and free to leave slavery. That story is fulfilled in Jesus. We were all slaves, not in Egypt but in sin. And Jesus is the lamb that lays down his life so that we could be free. He washes us clean; he makes us new. Why did God rescue his people from Egypt? Because he loved them. Why did he send his son to save us from sin? Because he loves us.

That’s the first thing. When Jesus washes the disciples feet, he is saying “I love you.”

“You are ready”

The second thing Jesus is saying is that the disciples are ready for the next chapter. Footwashing is something that you did at the end of the day, or before a time of rest. You don’t wash your feet just to immediately go get them dirty again. So, when Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, he is communicating that night is falling, this chapter is coming to a close, and they are ready for the next. The same is true for you.

You might not feel ready.

Peter did not understand Jesus at first. Look at verse 6.

John 13:6–10 (CSB)

He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand.”

“You will never wash my feet,” Peter said.

Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.”

“One who has bathed,” Jesus told him, “doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean...”

Peter says, “Jesus, I am not worthy to have you serve me.” And Jesus answers, “This is the only way.” Then Peter says, “If this is the only way, wash all of me.” To which Jesus replies, “I already have.” This is so important that Jesus repeats it in John 15:3 “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” Jesus says that they are ready to continue his mission; the same mission that you are called to continue.

Maybe you are like Peter today, and you don’t feel ready.

I hope you can take heart that you aren’t the first person to feel that way—Peter did to. And I hope you will be encouraged by Jesus’ response—there is a reason I am only washing your feet. Because whether you feel like it or not, if you believe in me, I have made you clean.

Now, it is true that you cannot do it on your own, but neither could the disciples.

Jesus knew that his disciples needed help. And he provided that for them in two ways: (a) first, he pledged to send the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” Jesus knew his disciples needed help, and in some versions the Holy Spirit is literally called the “Helper.” (b) Second, Jesus gave the disciples each other. John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” C. S. Lewis wrote that, because of this verse, we “can truly say to every group of Christian friends ‘You have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.’”

It is true that you cannot do it on your own, but the good news is that you don’t have to—Jesus doesn’t even want you to try! He wants you to rely on the Holy Spirit inside you. He wants you to share your burdens with your brothers and sisters in Christ. These two things—the spirit within you and your church family around you—are normally enough to help you keep going when you feel like you can’t. As much as it depends on you, keep your heart open to God and to his people. Don’t quench the Spirit, and when Satan starts to build a wall between you and other believers, try to take that wall down a brick at a time.

Now, it is true that you will make mistakes, but so did the disciples.

Even after Jesus washed their feet, they continued to misunderstand him. When he asked them to stay awake and pray with him, they fell asleep. When a mob came to arrest Jesus, they ran for their lives. Peter denied Jesus, point blank, three times in row.

Did Jesus know that the disciples would make mistakes? (Yes.) And yet did He still tell them, “You are ready”? (Yes.)

Jesus said, “You’re ready,” not “You’re perfect.” One day, you will be perfect… today… you are just “ready.”

You are ready for what he is calling you to. Even though you do not feel ready; even though you need help; even though you make mistakes; you are ready.

Why? Well, it is because of the first point—because he loves you. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, he revealed that all their time with him was a time of preparation. They did not know the next chapter, but he did. They did not make themselves ready. Jesus loved them, and he got them ready. He prepared them for what was next. And what was that? Well, the third and final thing—a message that Jesus sent as he cleaned their feet.

“Surprise the World”

Jesus was a surprising person. We already noted how surprising it was that he would stoop down and wash the disciples’ feet.

No one loved like he loved. No one humbled themselves like he humbled himself. No one was holy like he was holy. No one spoke like he spoke. No one did what he did. No one suffered like he suffered. No one rejoiced like he rejoiced. No one was more certain of their purpose than him. No one had greater peace. No one gave greater peace.

And yet, Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you” (John 20:21). “Greater works than these, you will do” (John 14:12).

John says, starting in John 13:12…

John 13:12–15 CSB

When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.

You are called to surprise the world, like Jesus surprised the world. First, by believing and receiving his love and truth. He loves you. Second, by sharing that love with each other. Jesus said, John 13:34-35 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Then finally, together, you take that out into the world. This is what we have been trying to do over the past few years. We have tried to have fun with each other. To learn more about God’s word together. To serve others and answer their questions.

If you do this, the world will recognize Jesus in you, and they will recognize God in Jesus. So their response to you will be their response to God. I know that that sounds like a really weighty responsibility, and it is! But remember the point we just walked about—you are ready.

Lauren, I have seen you serve sacrificially and speak the truth without fear. Rachel, I have seen you share the gospel in church and at work and delight in God’s creation. Nick, I have seen you work hard for God’s glory, answer people’s questions, and live with integrity. Owen, I have seen your heart for God in worship and your heart for the people around you. You have all been through hard times and come out with your faith intact.

If we were going to unpack every way that we are able to surprise the world, we would be here all day talking about a humble and loving heart, holy lives, wise words, joy in suffering, and so much more. But there is one secret to surprising the world that ties all those things together, and that secret is… stay close to Jesus. Believe in Him. Abide in Him. Love Him. He will never let you down.

Do you know what he says to you?—“I love you. You are ready. Surprise the World.”

Transition to Footwashing

Pray. Parents need to head. The church has a gift to give you. So when I call your name, if you would come to the front, receive this gift, and let the church clap for you, and then just line up behind me. After everyone has been called up here, then go and join your parents. At that time we will pray for you and your parents together, and then during the time of invitation I’ve asked your parents and they are actually going to practice what we have preached here today. They are going to wash your feet. And parents, if you would just speak those nine words over your children, and whatever else you want to say—I love you. You are ready. Surprise the World.