SERMON NOTES - The below is a summary for your spiritual reflection and further study.
HEARING FROM GOD
Read John 13:1-17
How is God speaking to you through these verses? (Write it down)
UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT
Jesus will soon be betrayed by one of His disciples and go through the torture of an unjust flogging and crucifixion.
With Jesus aware of this, what does He still choose to do? He chooses to be with YOU His followers! WHY? 1ST) To use every ounce of His time on earth to express His deep love for you! and 2nd) To leave His expression of “servant-love” as an example for YOU AND I to carry forward in His Spirit.
Culturally, the disciples' feet would have been quite filthy venturing out on dirt paths, fishy seas, and walking on streets covered with animal dung /human wastes. Such foot-washing was therefore commonly performed by slaves of the one hosting guests invited for a meal. So when Jesus begins to remove his outer garments and postures Himself to take on this position as a “servant-slave” you might imagine the jaw-dropping shock upon His disciples! I mean what do you do? What do you say? This is just not right, proper, and mostly unheard of! Here, the Son of God, their Master-Teacher, their Lord, their Messiah is liking Himself as a slave to wash their filthy feet!!
WILL YOU RECEIVED CHRIST'S WASHING AND DO THE SAME FOR OTHERS?
Peter wanted nothing to do with Jesus washing his feet. In response, Jesus told Peter he would then have no part with Jesus and His ministry.
1) Pride prevents receiving Christ's purposes for us. Will you allow others to serve you in Christ's love?
2) Jesus loves us even when we stink. Will you do the same that shows Christ's love for others?
"I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:16-17).
Be blessed!
Pastor Trevor