The Ministry of Foot Washing (The Gospel of John: Jesus’ Discipleship Course; #3)John 13:12-20
A. In our text, Jesus offers his disciples three words of encouragement:
1. First, Jesus gives his disciples a whole new way of living (13:12-17)
2. Second, Jesus protects his disciples from the discouragement that
might overwhelm them when they learn that one of their own would
betray Him (13:18-19)
3. Third, Jesus encourages them with the honor that they will be his
officially authorized representatives in the world (13:20)
A NEW WAY OF LIVING (13:12-17)
A. Most people don’t want to wash other people’s feet (i.e., forgive them)
1. But Christ-followers are not most people. Our feet are wet; grace washed
2. All He asks is we share his grace with others like he shared his grace with us
“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15)
B. Jesus foot washing is the perfect depiction of what God has done for us
1. It is the perfect pattern for how we’re to live the most “blessed” way
2. It is the paradigm of both our relationship to God (theology) and our
relationship to others (ethics)
C. Jesus is quintessential model. You want to know how to love, look at Jesus
A NEW ENCOURAGEMENT FOR LIVING (13:18-19)
A. Jesus knows Judas’ deed is part of the Scriptural plan for his Messianic work
“Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted the heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9)
B. Jesus doesn't want his disciples to think His whole Gospel enterprise has
failed when they learn what Judas has done
1. Jesus wants build their faith so they understand that “I AM who I AM!”
2. When the disciples see Jesus for who he is they will have everything they
need to remain confident and vigil
A NEW CALL TO REPRESENT JESUS (13:20)
A. This (third) encouragement is Jesus’ commitment to the “remaining
eleven” that they will be His personal ambassadors to the world
1. Jesus says that whoever receives them (his disciples) will be receiving Him
2. One of the greatest needs in the church today is for Jesus’ followers to step
up and appropriate the power and authority He has given us...to serve
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19)
“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it!” (John 14:13-14)
“I will give you the keys to the kingdom; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:18-19)
3. Scripture clearly teaches that believers have far more power and authority
then we would believe just by looking at today’s church
a. We become a part of this “Apostolic Succession” when we welcome
and pass on the apostolic witness by proclaiming Jesus Name
b. When we go in his name, we have His power and authority to serve
4. This promise and process give the church her pedigree, her lifelines, her
privilege, and her mission
B. This is how Christ calls his Church to be - a place where love and sacrifice
are hard-wired into the DNA of his disciples who are practicing Gospel
1. Jesus isn't interesting in building a Church; he’s interested in his people
being the Church
2. A place where we’re willing to live bare footed - because we know even
our feet have been washed by Jesus
November 17, 2019
