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The Washing of the Disciples Feet
Shaun Rossi // The Gospel of John
The washing of the disciples feet is a dramatic portrayal of Jesus own mission in the world, highlighting our need to be washed by Him.
“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. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 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. 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. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 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.”9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 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.” 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 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 these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
— John 13:1-17
Sermon OutlineI. Our Need to Be Washed by Jesus vv 1-5
“5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:5-11
“After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
— Hebrews 1:3a
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:21
II. The Nature of the Washing Jesus Provides vv 6-11
“26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
— Ephesians 5:26-27
III. The Application of the Washing We Have Received from Jesus vv 12-17
“1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
— Philippians 2:1-2
YOU Cannot wash feet while living on a pole
The story of Simeon the Stylite is certainly one of the strangest in church history.
Simeon was born about 390 A.D. He lived in different monasteries in northern Syria. Then around 423 he started to live on top of a platform on top of a pillar. Gradually he increased the height of the pillar until it was about 20 meters off the ground. Simeon lived up there by himself as an ascetic for 36 years! (Who knows how the plumbing worked out.)
Simon thought that he was being holy by being separate from the world. People flocked from all around to listen to him preach from the top of his pillar. His example led to a movement that lasted for centuries, where others dwelled on top of their own pillars. This begs the question: how did such a bizarre idea ever take hold in the Christian world?
Perhaps if we think about it its not so bizarre after all. While in our day we are not living on top of our own respective pillars, sometimes Christians, at least here in Finland are an independent, isolated bunch. We view the Christian life as each of us having our own relationship with God, which is essential. But then often we isolate ourselves from other believers. Except on a superficial level, we have little personal contact with other believers throughout the week.
But if we’re not close to one another, we can’t obey Jesus’ command in todays text: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought 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.” (vv 14-15).
To wash someone’s feet requires pretty close personal contact! If you feel like you would like to take steps to get more involved with and connected with our church community speak with a pastor /elder about it today. Or, two very practical places to start are by signing-up to serve or to join a small group, both of which can be done from the announcements page.
commit to serving / foot washing with the gifts god has given you this yearOur unique gifts and callings are a way we can “wash one another’s feet” and to serve the “common good” of UCC (1 Cor. 12:7). In 2019 instead of focusing on what we wish others were doing, let’s wholeheartedly serving at UCC in whatever capacity we are able with whatever gifts God has given us — and in this way fulfil Christ’s command to “wash one another’s feet”. Stacy Reoch offers the following 5 reminders / pieces fo wisdom as we do:
“1. Remember that we’re all invested in the most important ministry of the church, which is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. In our everyday ministries and especially in our corporate worship, we’re participating together in our highest calling. Our ministries aren’t in competition with each other but serve the same end goal.
2. Be grateful for the variety of gifts in the body of Christ. Instead of lamenting why more people aren’t serving in your area of ministry, be thankful for the multitude of ways God is using his people to serve others.
3. Acknowledge that the body of Christ would be incomplete without the various gifts and ministries of people within the church. “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. . . . If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?” (1 Cor. 12:14, 18).
4. Confess any judgmental thoughts. Repent and ask God to help you extend grace and kindness to those who have different priorities.
5. Free others to serve. Be excited for new ministries popping up within your church body. Come alongside others in prayer and encouragement for what God has given them to do. Release them from the expectations you may have on their time and energy so they can freely focus on their own calling.”
2. Be grateful for the variety of gifts in the body of Christ. Instead of lamenting why more people aren’t serving in your area of ministry, be thankful for the multitude of ways God is using his people to serve others.
3. Acknowledge that the body of Christ would be incomplete without the various gifts and ministries of people within the church. “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. . . . If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?” (1 Cor. 12:14, 18).
4. Confess any judgmental thoughts. Repent and ask God to help you extend grace and kindness to those who have different priorities.
5. Free others to serve. Be excited for new ministries popping up within your church body. Come alongside others in prayer and encouragement for what God has given them to do. Release them from the expectations you may have on their time and energy so they can freely focus on their own calling.”
Lets look to Christ and commit to serving with our gifts for the common good. If you would like to sign-up to serve speak to any leader today or sign-up online via the announcements page.
SMALL GROUP STUDYNote: Please save time for the application section at the end of the study.Introduction (5 min)Read and discuss the above entry about Simeon the Stylite: “you cannot wash feet while living on a pole”.
Understand the Text (20 min)1. Read verse 1. What is the significance of John mentioning the “Passover meal” and Jesus’ “hour”?
2. Read John 13:1-3 & 11. What did Jesus know as he prepared to eat the Passover Meal with his disciples? Does what Jesus did (serve the disciples), have a greater impact because of what Jesus knew beforehand?
3. What does Jesus do to serve and love his disciples during this meal? Read John 13:4-5.
Who usually washed feet in the first century? Did Jesus have to wash feet? What does this tell you about the nature and attitude of Jesus?
Why didn’t any of the disciples think to offer to wash feet? What were some of the other disciples doing during this meal? Read Luke 22:24.
4. We almost always equate Jesus’ washing of the disciples feet as a lesson in humility and service, which it of-course is. However, His service is not simply an exemplarily ministry, it is a saving ministry. In other words the washing of the disciples feet is a parable of what Jesus has done for us on the cross in providing through His death the washing of our sins. Paul puts it like this in 2 Cor. 5:21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” How does this change the way you have thought about the meaning of this passage up until now?
5. Does this story about Jesus washing feet, and the humility that Jesus models, remind you of any other passages of Scripture about Jesus? Read Philippians 2:3-8. How are these passages similar?
6. What was Peter’s reaction when Jesus came to wash his feet? Why did Peter react the way he did? How did Jesus respond to Peter?
What does it mean to have “a share with Jesus”? Read John 13:12-15.
7. Discuss with the intent of application the following quote by J.C. Ryle which discusses the nature of the washing that Jesus is telling Peter He provides:
“the great practical truth contained in this sentence ought to be carefully noted and treasured by all believers. Once joined to Christ and cleansed in His blood they are completely absolved and freed from all spot of guilt, they are counted without blame before God. That is the general cleansing. But for all this, they need every day as they walk through this world to confess their daily failure. They require in short a daily washing of their feet over and above the great wash of justification which is there the moment they believe. He who neglects this daily washing is a very questionable kind of Christian.”
8. What does Jesus tell his disciples to do based on what he has done for them? Read John 13:13-17.
Name something that is equivalent to washing feet in the first century that most people would not be willing to do today.
Have you ever found yourself unwilling to do something that Jesus would have done if he were in your shoes?
In the sermon, the pastor said:
“Our text teaches us that the very crux of Christ’s work in us and through us is that we take on the role of a servant. I think Jesus is saying that the level in which we are submitted to Him as our teacher and our Lord will show most clearly in the way we are willing to serve others in the most basic and practical ways.”
What are some of the ways in which we can serve one another at UCC? Where are the needs in our corporate gatherings and in our lives (note: these often go unspoken and they are often very practical). What needs to change in your life specifically with reference to your schedule and resources in order for you to serve and love people the way that Jesus did and commands?
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By United Community ChurchShaun Rossi // The Gospel of John
The washing of the disciples feet is a dramatic portrayal of Jesus own mission in the world, highlighting our need to be washed by Him.
“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. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 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. 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. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 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.”9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 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.” 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 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 these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
— John 13:1-17
Sermon OutlineI. Our Need to Be Washed by Jesus vv 1-5
“5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:5-11
“After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
— Hebrews 1:3a
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:21
II. The Nature of the Washing Jesus Provides vv 6-11
“26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
— Ephesians 5:26-27
III. The Application of the Washing We Have Received from Jesus vv 12-17
“1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
— Philippians 2:1-2
YOU Cannot wash feet while living on a pole
The story of Simeon the Stylite is certainly one of the strangest in church history.
Simeon was born about 390 A.D. He lived in different monasteries in northern Syria. Then around 423 he started to live on top of a platform on top of a pillar. Gradually he increased the height of the pillar until it was about 20 meters off the ground. Simeon lived up there by himself as an ascetic for 36 years! (Who knows how the plumbing worked out.)
Simon thought that he was being holy by being separate from the world. People flocked from all around to listen to him preach from the top of his pillar. His example led to a movement that lasted for centuries, where others dwelled on top of their own pillars. This begs the question: how did such a bizarre idea ever take hold in the Christian world?
Perhaps if we think about it its not so bizarre after all. While in our day we are not living on top of our own respective pillars, sometimes Christians, at least here in Finland are an independent, isolated bunch. We view the Christian life as each of us having our own relationship with God, which is essential. But then often we isolate ourselves from other believers. Except on a superficial level, we have little personal contact with other believers throughout the week.
But if we’re not close to one another, we can’t obey Jesus’ command in todays text: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought 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.” (vv 14-15).
To wash someone’s feet requires pretty close personal contact! If you feel like you would like to take steps to get more involved with and connected with our church community speak with a pastor /elder about it today. Or, two very practical places to start are by signing-up to serve or to join a small group, both of which can be done from the announcements page.
commit to serving / foot washing with the gifts god has given you this yearOur unique gifts and callings are a way we can “wash one another’s feet” and to serve the “common good” of UCC (1 Cor. 12:7). In 2019 instead of focusing on what we wish others were doing, let’s wholeheartedly serving at UCC in whatever capacity we are able with whatever gifts God has given us — and in this way fulfil Christ’s command to “wash one another’s feet”. Stacy Reoch offers the following 5 reminders / pieces fo wisdom as we do:
“1. Remember that we’re all invested in the most important ministry of the church, which is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. In our everyday ministries and especially in our corporate worship, we’re participating together in our highest calling. Our ministries aren’t in competition with each other but serve the same end goal.
2. Be grateful for the variety of gifts in the body of Christ. Instead of lamenting why more people aren’t serving in your area of ministry, be thankful for the multitude of ways God is using his people to serve others.
3. Acknowledge that the body of Christ would be incomplete without the various gifts and ministries of people within the church. “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. . . . If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?” (1 Cor. 12:14, 18).
4. Confess any judgmental thoughts. Repent and ask God to help you extend grace and kindness to those who have different priorities.
5. Free others to serve. Be excited for new ministries popping up within your church body. Come alongside others in prayer and encouragement for what God has given them to do. Release them from the expectations you may have on their time and energy so they can freely focus on their own calling.”
2. Be grateful for the variety of gifts in the body of Christ. Instead of lamenting why more people aren’t serving in your area of ministry, be thankful for the multitude of ways God is using his people to serve others.
3. Acknowledge that the body of Christ would be incomplete without the various gifts and ministries of people within the church. “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. . . . If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?” (1 Cor. 12:14, 18).
4. Confess any judgmental thoughts. Repent and ask God to help you extend grace and kindness to those who have different priorities.
5. Free others to serve. Be excited for new ministries popping up within your church body. Come alongside others in prayer and encouragement for what God has given them to do. Release them from the expectations you may have on their time and energy so they can freely focus on their own calling.”
Lets look to Christ and commit to serving with our gifts for the common good. If you would like to sign-up to serve speak to any leader today or sign-up online via the announcements page.
SMALL GROUP STUDYNote: Please save time for the application section at the end of the study.Introduction (5 min)Read and discuss the above entry about Simeon the Stylite: “you cannot wash feet while living on a pole”.
Understand the Text (20 min)1. Read verse 1. What is the significance of John mentioning the “Passover meal” and Jesus’ “hour”?
2. Read John 13:1-3 & 11. What did Jesus know as he prepared to eat the Passover Meal with his disciples? Does what Jesus did (serve the disciples), have a greater impact because of what Jesus knew beforehand?
3. What does Jesus do to serve and love his disciples during this meal? Read John 13:4-5.
Who usually washed feet in the first century? Did Jesus have to wash feet? What does this tell you about the nature and attitude of Jesus?
Why didn’t any of the disciples think to offer to wash feet? What were some of the other disciples doing during this meal? Read Luke 22:24.
4. We almost always equate Jesus’ washing of the disciples feet as a lesson in humility and service, which it of-course is. However, His service is not simply an exemplarily ministry, it is a saving ministry. In other words the washing of the disciples feet is a parable of what Jesus has done for us on the cross in providing through His death the washing of our sins. Paul puts it like this in 2 Cor. 5:21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” How does this change the way you have thought about the meaning of this passage up until now?
5. Does this story about Jesus washing feet, and the humility that Jesus models, remind you of any other passages of Scripture about Jesus? Read Philippians 2:3-8. How are these passages similar?
6. What was Peter’s reaction when Jesus came to wash his feet? Why did Peter react the way he did? How did Jesus respond to Peter?
What does it mean to have “a share with Jesus”? Read John 13:12-15.
7. Discuss with the intent of application the following quote by J.C. Ryle which discusses the nature of the washing that Jesus is telling Peter He provides:
“the great practical truth contained in this sentence ought to be carefully noted and treasured by all believers. Once joined to Christ and cleansed in His blood they are completely absolved and freed from all spot of guilt, they are counted without blame before God. That is the general cleansing. But for all this, they need every day as they walk through this world to confess their daily failure. They require in short a daily washing of their feet over and above the great wash of justification which is there the moment they believe. He who neglects this daily washing is a very questionable kind of Christian.”
8. What does Jesus tell his disciples to do based on what he has done for them? Read John 13:13-17.
Name something that is equivalent to washing feet in the first century that most people would not be willing to do today.
Have you ever found yourself unwilling to do something that Jesus would have done if he were in your shoes?
In the sermon, the pastor said:
“Our text teaches us that the very crux of Christ’s work in us and through us is that we take on the role of a servant. I think Jesus is saying that the level in which we are submitted to Him as our teacher and our Lord will show most clearly in the way we are willing to serve others in the most basic and practical ways.”
What are some of the ways in which we can serve one another at UCC? Where are the needs in our corporate gatherings and in our lives (note: these often go unspoken and they are often very practical). What needs to change in your life specifically with reference to your schedule and resources in order for you to serve and love people the way that Jesus did and commands?
Back to Bulletin