John 13:1-5

[By Ron Halbrook]

2

• Introduction1. Jn. 13:1-5 Jesus, loving servant to the utmost

1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end [the uttermost, NASV fn].

1. Jn. 13:1-5 Jesus, loving servant to the utmost 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put 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 was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

4

• Introduction2. Jesus is the ideal servant for many reasons:

Died for our sins & arose to conquer sin for us Fully obeyed the Father’s will Served from a heart of pure love Put spiritual salvation above all other things Humbled himself to joyfully serve Served by doing, not saying only Finished his work

5

• Introduction3. Let us learn to serve from Jesus, servant of all!

Not how can I be served by others, but how can I serve others? Not who will serve me, but whom can I serve?

6

I. Died for Our Sins & Arose to Conquer Sin for Us A. God Promised to Send His Chosen Servant

Isa. 52:13-53:12 Men to marvel at God’s servant

Isa. 52:13-53:12 Men to marvel at God’s servant

52:13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

I. Died for Our Sins & Arose to Conquer Sin for Us B. Jesus Knew His Mission & Prepared His Disciples

Jn. 13:3-4 Startled them by washing their feet

8

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

9

I. Died for Our Sins & Arose to Conquer Sin for Us C. God’s Chosen Servant Died & Arose to Save Us

Rom. 5:6-10 Marvelous mercy, amazing grace!

Rom. 5:6-10 Marvelous mercy, amazing grace! 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

11

II. Fully Obeyed the Father’s Will A. From Youth Jesus Focused on His Father’s Will

Lk. 2:46-49 Study with temple teachers at age 12

Lk. 2:46-49 Study with temple teachers at age 12

46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

13

II. Fully Obeyed the Father’s Will B. His Whole Life Focused on the Father’s Will

Jn. 8:28-29 He knew His will led to the cross

Jn. 8:28-29 He knew His will led to the cross 28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

II. Fully Obeyed the Father’s Will B. His Whole Life Focused on the Father’s Will

Jn. 13:3-4 Came to do His Father’s will

15

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

16

II. Fully Obeyed the Father’s Will C. His Obedience Accomplished Our Salvation

Heb. 5:8-9 We receive it by following him!

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

17

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love A. His Character Is That of a Loving Father

Isa. 9:6 “Everlasting Father:” unending love 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

18

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love B. All He Did & Said Reflected His Pure Love

Mk. 10:21 Correcting the rich young ruler 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

19

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love B. All He Did & Said Reflected His Pure Love

Matt. 9:36 Reaching out to a lost world

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

20

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love B. All He Did & Said Reflected His Pure Love

Matt. 14:14 Healing the sick, maimed, tormented

14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

21

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love B. All He Did & Said Reflected His Pure Love

Matt. 23:37-38 Pronouncing judgment

Matt. 23:37-38 Pronouncing judgment

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

23

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love C. His Willingness to Forgive Shows His Love

Lk. 23:34 Even his own murderers!

34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

24

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love C. His Willingness to Forgive Shows His Love

Mk. 16:7 Even Peter who denied him!

7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

25

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love C. His Willingness to Forgive Shows His Love

Mk. 16:15 Even you & me after all we done to sin against, deny, & disappoint our Lord!!!

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

26

III. Served from a Heart of Pure Love D. He Washed the Disciples’ Feet to Teach Love

Jn. 13:31-35 Service in love glorifies God

Jn. 13:31-35 Service in love glorifies God 31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

28

IV. Put Spiritual Salvation Above All Other Things A. Christ Put Our Salvation

Above His Glorious State in Heaven Phil. 2:5-11 He left heaven for our salvation

Phil. 2:5-11 He left heaven for our salvation

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Phil. 2:5-11 He left heaven for our salvation

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

31

IV. Put Spiritual Salvation Above All Other Things B. We Must Value Our Salvation as Christ Did

Matt. 19:27-30 Eternal life more valuable than all earthly ties, possessions, & attainments

Matt. 19:27-30 Eternal life more valuable than all earthly ties, possessions, & attainments

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

33

V. Humbled Himself to Joyfully Serve A. Jesus Exemplified Humility in Joyful Service

Jn. 13:6-9 Jesus’ act of humble service startled the disciples Task of a lowly servant No disciple volunteered even when Jesus acted Others sat in stunned silent—Peter protested!

Jn. 13:6-9 Jesus’ act of humble service startled the disciples

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

35

V. Humbled Himself to Joyfully Serve A. Jesus Exemplified Humility in Joyful Service

Jn. 13:10-11 Like a man washed body & feet, they were now clean—except for Judas’ heart

10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

36

V. Humbled Himself to Joyfully Serve A. Jesus Exemplified Humility in Joyful Service

Jn. 13:12-17 Follow Jesus in lowly service— joyfully perform the most menial tasks

Jn. 13:12-17 Follow Jesus in lowly service— joyfully perform the most menial tasks

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

38

VI. Served by Doing, Not Saying Only A. Jesus Served from the Heart, Not by Lip Service

Jn. 13:5, 14, 17 Knowing & talking is not doing

Jn. 13:5, 14, 17 Knowing & talking is not doing

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

17 Now that you know these things,You will be blessed if you do them. [NIV]

40

VII. Finished His Work A. Nearing His Life’s End, He Was Determined to Complete His Work

Jn. 13:1-3 This lesson was a necessary step on the road to completion

Jn. 13:1-3 This lesson was a necessary step on the road to completion

41

1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end [the uttermost, NASV fn]. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put 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 was come from God, and went to God;

42

VII. Finished His Work B. His Service in Suffering Was Completed in the Horrible Death of Calvary

Jn. 19:30 “It is finished” 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

43

VII. Finished His Work C. The Path of the Suffering Servant Led to Victory & Glory in Our Salvation

Jn. 13:31 His finished work is our salvation 31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

44

• Invitation1. Jn. 13:1-5 Jesus, loving servant to the utmost

1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end [the uttermost, NASV fn].

1. Jn. 13:1-5 Jesus, loving servant to the utmost 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put 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 was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

46

• Invitation2. Jesus is the ideal servant for many reasons:

Died for our sins & arose to conquer sin for us Fully obeyed the Father’s will Served from a heart of pure love Put spiritual salvation above all other things Humbled himself to joyfully serve Served by doing, not saying only Finished his work

47

• Invitation3. Let us learn to serve from Jesus, servant of all!

Not how can I be served by others, but how can I serve others? Not who will serve me, but whom can I serve?