9.4.22 Sermon - Labor Like Jesus

Intro/Welcome

Celebrating Labor Day

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.

The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

How Christianity Changed the World

part from “How Christianity changes the world “

Today

All are laboring in different ways — vocation

Some are in ministry others are not

The question for us today, is if we call Jesus Lord and Savior, and we are called to become like Him (that’s discipleship) then what does it look like to “labor like Jesus”

And how do we go about ‘laboring like Jesus”

What does that even mean?

Why it matters?

Why would I even care?

seemed like Jesus had a pretty hard life

Do you want joy?

Do you want a sense of purpose and passion?

Do you want to feel the nearness of God?

Then we must learn to labor like Jesus did.

Jesus

I envision Jesus full of joy, passion, and purpose in his life

so many were just attracted to Him

wanted to spend time with Him

Gave up everything to follow Him

Learning to labor like Jesus will bring purpose, passion and joy to our life, and so much more.

So what does Jesus have to teach us?

Bible:

We come to a well know story in Jesus ministry

The washing of the disciples feet

Found in John 13

Now, I’m cheating a little bit, b/c we are officially starting our fall series next week on Jesus’ Greatest and Last Teaching

But on Labor Day, I always want to take time to talk about work and what that means as a christian

So we are going to jump into John 13 to see what Jesus taught his own disciples about laboring.

We are going to ask what does that mean for us

At the same time, it will help orient us a little bit more for starting our series next week.

Welcome

My name is Justin

Welcome in room and ONLINE

Let’s pray

Pray

Isaiah 61:1–3 (ESV)

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

1. In Christ we have Everything

John 13:1–5 (ESV)

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

A. Context - “His Hour”

John 13:1 (ESV)

1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

Some introductory comments.

This is the last supper

His ‘hour has come”

in the gospel of John — that means his crucifixion

This is hours before Jesus will be arrested

less than a day form when he will be executed on a Roman Cross

Notice — he’s departing to be with the Father

we’ll come back tot hat

He loved his own disciples — he loved them to the end

sometimes we need to be reminded of that

Jesus even facing his own torture and execution, was loving his disciples to the very end.

and even if you don’t feel his love right now, be assured he is loving you to the very end.

B. The Devil

John 13:2 (ESV)

2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,

So notice, they are having supper — the last supper

Judas is at the table.

The Devil - Satan - had already put it into his heart

That should just cause us to pause.

Satan can put thoughts in your mind

ideas into your heart

do you recognize them?

the enemies work is to steal, kill and destroy

he wants to steal your joy

kill your passion for God

destroy your life

If we listen to the enemy — we cannot live or labor like Jesus.

we’ll come back to that

C. Jesus

John 13:3 (ESV)

3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,4 rose from supper.

Just notice a couple things here, b/c these are really important for laboring like Jesus.

1. He knew the father had given all things into his hands

He knew all that the Father had was his

He knew he was going to gain

2. He knew where he came from

He came from God as God

he knew who he was

His identity was secure

3. He knew where he was going

He knew he was going back to the Father

To stand at the right hand of the father and rule the universe

He is standing there now alive and well

Acts 7:56 (ESV)

56 And he[Stephen] said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Ephesians 1:20–23 (ESV)

20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead

and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

It was these truths that allowed Jesus to live the life that he did.

They were how he was able to labor and minister as he did.

D. In Christ, we have everything.

They are also true for us — when we believe in Jesus

When we are “in Christ” by the bond of faith or trusting in Jesus finished work on the cross

1. We know that all that he has will be ours — we are co-heirs with Christ.

Romans 8:16–17 (ESV)

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

2. We know where he came from — He is God

John 17:25 (ESV)

O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.

3. We know where he went

He is in heaven now ruling and reigning as the Sovereign King

Acts 7:56 (ESV)

56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Ephesians 2:4–7 (ESV)

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

If we are going to labor like Jesus then these three truths are for us.

2. Let Jesus Serve You

John 13:4–5 (ESV)

4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

A. Washing the Disciples Feet

We may be to familiar with this story / because it may lose it’s impact

Remember in that day, they didn’t have nice sidewalks

clean streets

They had dusty streets

They had lots of animals roaming around which mean lots of animal droppings

They didn’t have modern plumbing or trash pick up

The streets where not a sanitary place.

They often wore sandals — and so all that dust / dirt and other things would wind up on your feet

And then you walk into someone’s house and take your shows off so you don’t track all that stuff around.

Well — some of that stuff is stuck to your feet

probably doesn’t smell very good

or look very good.

here’s a picture

B. Reaction

You’ve got to imagine their reaction

Awkward tension —

someone stop him

what is he doing

don’t serve me in that way

The lowest form of service.

John (Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet (13:1–17))

The task of footwashing was so menial that according to some Jewish sources, Jewish slaves were exempt and the job kept for Gentiles.

1. One story reports how Rabbi Ishmael returned home and his wife tried to wash his feet. He refused, claiming it was too demeaning. She took the question to a rabbinic court, arguing that it was in fact an honor.

2. In the splendid romantic Jewish book of Joseph and Asenath, Joseph’s bride, Asenath, is so overcome with love for Joseph that she offers to wash his feet. When Joseph protests and sends for a servant girl, Asenath interrupts him. “No, my Lord, because you are my lord from now on and I (am) your maidservant. For your feet are my feet and your hands are my hands … another woman will never wash your feet” (20:4).

At the very least, all our ancient sources show that footwashing was a degrading and lowly task.

When done by a wife (for her husband), a child (for his/her parents), or a pupil (for his teacher), it was always an act of extreme devotion.

But since it was an act with social implications, in no way do we find those with a “higher” status washing the feet of those beneath them.

When Jesus “takes off his outer clothing” and wraps a towel around himself (13:4), he is adopting the posture of a slave.

Think of what you don’t want anyone to do for you

come over and do your dishes

do your dirty laundry

clean out the hair from your shower drain

Clean out your fridge that hasn’t been done in years.

That’s the feeling here

You are embarrassed

Jesus, the King of the Universe

God in the flesh

knocks on your door, comes into your house

and cleans our your toilet.

It is a staggering act of humility and service.

Amid the awkward tension — somebody has to say something

Peter — to the Rescue

C. Peter’s Response

John 13:6–11 (ESV)

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

1.Comments

John 13:6 (ESV)

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”

You are really going to wash my feet?

Maybe he came to Peter first

John 13:7 (ESV)

7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”

This is so true of following Jesus in my experience

Whatever is going on right now in your life

especially if you are struggling

Jesus says to you “you do not understand now, but afterward you will”

After — when? well that is TBD

But there is a promise here

John 13:8a (ESV)

8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.”

This is the strongest negation in greek

Οὐ μὴ νίψῃς

Peter is really serious here.

He is setting the example

He will not let Jesus — this great teacher and King — our Savior — lower himself to such a standard

Notice — he doesn’t jump up to take his place.

This sort of work for beneath all of them.

NOTE: Jesus is about to go much further than just washing feet, he’s going to give his very life in exchange for theirs.

John 13:8b (ESV)

Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share(part) with me.”

2. Let Jesus Serve/wash you

Listen to that

If you want to belong to Jesus, you have to let him wash you

You have to let him approach the dirt in your life

You have to let him wash it away

You’ve got to humble yourself

The reality is, he already knows it

but he’s not going to barge in and scrub you down

You’ve got to invite him

You’ve got to open yourself up to him

Let him see the dirt in your life

Let him wash it away — he’s the only one who can.

A. Let Jesus serve/wash you

If you want to labor like Jesus — you’ve got to let him serve you.

you’ve got to let him have access into your life and heart

you’ve got to let him wash away your sins

past, present and future

It is an ongoing experience

For so many, this is the hardest thing to do

b/c it requires humility

Christ humbles himself to wash us, we have to humble ourselves to receive from him

We’ve got to see that we’ve gotten all dirty

B. Foreshadowing the Cross

Most theologians think this is foreshadowing the cross

That we must receive the forgiveness of sins

the cleansing of our sins by the blood of Christ.

And of course, they are right.

The essence of our salvation in Christ is that he took our place for our sins

We are literally cleansed by the blood of Christ

John

1 John 1:7 (ESV)

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9 (ESV)

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Peter

1 Peter 1:19 (ESV)

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

1 Peter 1:18–19 (ESV)

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

So we must come to Jesus for salvation

to be saved, cleanses, renewed, regenerated

C. Objection:

Now maybe you say, not me.

Jesus could not wash away my sin, it is too egregious.

No one can ever know.

Look at v 11

John 13:11 (ESV)

11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

Jesus is washing — serving — even Judas Iscariot in this way

Can you believe this?

Even his enemies

the one who would, in just a few hours, lead Roman Soldiers to the Mount of Olives to Arrest Jesus.

It seems to be, that Jesus is even offering cleansing to Judas

he is giving Judas every opportunity

But Judas rejects Jesus

Satan has already filled his heart

he has already bought into the lie

his heart has already been hardened.

1. Come to Him Today

I say to you today

If you are hearing my voice, it is not too late.

Jesus promises in John 6:37

John 6:37 (KJV)

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Just come to Him

right here, right now

in your heart

Say to Jesus “I’m yours, save me”

He will not cast you away

don't let anything keep you from coming to Jesus

3. Peter’s over reaction

John 13:9 (ESV)

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

But don’t over correct

Look at Peter

He goes from the strongest negation in greek — NEVER!

To the other extreme — “OK, then ALL OF ME!”

The other disciples are just rolling their eyes probably.

A. We must let Jesus wash/serve us again and again

But Jesus, gently and truthfully corrects him.

John 13:10 (ESV)

10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”

11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

What is Jesus talking about?

As we try to follow Jesus in a fallen world we are going to get messy.

We will sin

Others will sin against us

We’ll mess up, hurt people, get hurt

track our mud into other people’s lives and they will track their mud into ours

It’s life in this broken and fallen world

Only Jesus can clean the mess up

We’ve got to come back to him again and again.

to wash our sins and dirt away again and again

if we will come to Him at sit with Him

a good thorough wash takes time

for so many of us, this is what we need

just sit still long enough to let Jesus see you

give you a check up and wash you and restore you

Doc mcstuffins “Time for a check up”

B. We must wash one another’s feet

When we do that we will see that Jesus will clean other people’s feet through us.

We are called to wash each other’s feet

Then, you’ll be ready to get on your feet again and be on your way.

it’s no accident that footwear is included in the Spiritual Armor of Eph 6:15

Ephesians 6:15 (ESV)

15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Point #2a: Let Jesus wash/serve you again and again

This is not just a one time thing — Jesus saves me and I’ll take it from here

It is a lifestyle

Jesus saves me and Jesus sanctifies me.

Therefore to labor like Jesus — you have to keep coming to Him.

E. Summary

To labor like Jesus — it’s all about Jesus

In Christ we already have everything

Jesus came from God as God in the Flesh

“I came from God”

Jesus is the Sovereign King over all creation

Jesus is ruling and reigning from Heaven right Now

“Know where he is going” — back to God the Father, in Heaven ruling and reigning right now.

You’ve got to let Jesus wash/serve you

You’ve got to let Jesus wash/serve you again and again

Don’t let anything keep you from coming to Jesus

Now thirdly

We must do what Jesus did by the power that Jesus had.

3. Labor Like Jesus

John 13:12-17 (ESV)

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them,

“Do you understand what I have done to you?

13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought (obligated) to wash one another’s feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

17 If you know(understand/comprehend) these things, blessed are you if you do them.

What is Jesus saying?

he’s identifying with his disciples b/c they are to identify with him

If he — so great a master — Lord and Savior — God in the Flesh — King of the Universe

has come to serve others and minister to others

then so should his followers

and so should we — if we call Him Lord and Savior.

So we must actually labor as Jesus did

Point #3: We must labor as Jesus did by the power Jesus had.

he is the example

discipleship is being confirmed to his image

A. Blessing

When you undersstand this — comprehend this

you will be blessed

Blessed = joyful, free, purposeful, passionate

You want to be blessed

Labor Like Jesus by the power of Jesus

final point

B. By the Power Jesus had

John 13:18–19 (ESV)

18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’

19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.

John 13:20 (ESV)

20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

He is sending them out to serve and minister just the way he has for them

He makes this connection

I am sending you

If they receive you, they receive me

If they receive me, they receive the one who sent me

When we believe that Jesus is He = Jesus is God — sent from God

He’s really going to unpack this in John 14-16.

But the idea is:

1. Union with Christ

He is giving us this UNBROKEN CHAIN of relationship between God and us.

between God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit within us

We are invited right into the very heart of the Trinity.

When we believe/trust in Jesus there is an unbroken line right into the heart of the trinity.

We are united in Christ by the Holy Spirit with God the Father.

There is a powerful union that is created when we believe

Rom 6:1-4.

This is the source of power to become like Jesus, to serve like Jesus to labor like Jesus.

It cannot come by our striving, but rather by our surrendering to the power of Jesus.

He will not overrule us, he will not force us

but he will invite us

Conclusion

So whatever your calling is, whatever your vocation is...

you are called to labor like Jesus, by the power of Jesus.

Recap

In Christ we already have everything

Jesus came from God as God in the Flesh

“I came from God”

Jesus is the Sovereign King over all creation

Jesus is ruling and reigning from Heaven right Now

“Know where he is going” — back to God the Father, in Heaven ruling and reigning right now.

You’ve got to let Jesus wash/serve you

You’ve got to let Jesus wash/serve you again and again

Don’t let anything keep you from coming to Jesus

3. We must do what Jesus did by the power that Jesus had.

We can labor like Jesus because Jesus is laboring with us and in us through the person of the Holy Spirit

Live in relationship with the living Christ and whether you are a:

school teacher

engineer

bus driver

minister

student

barista

or anything else — God will be with you.

and if you follow him, you will be blessed

not always materially

but spiritually — with joy, purpose and passion.

And when people are living for Jesus with joy, purpose and passion — God can change things.

Call to Respond

Where do you need to be washed by Jesus?

What dirt does he need to have access to in your life?

Where can you serve others this week?

Whose feet can you wash?

Humbly, in the lowest of tasks

Your Spouse? Roomate? Coworker? Boss? Team Member? Friend?

Where do you need to trust in God’s power in your life, rather than your own?

You have a direct connection to the Trinitarian God

Closing Prayer