Servant of All

I. Introduction:

II. Text: John 13:3-17

III. Background

A. Jesus is about to be crucified and He knows that Judas will betray Him that night.

B. The apostles were discussing who would be the greatest among them, Luke 22:24-26.

IV. Jesus did not institute a ritual (Chart 1)

A. Washing feet was a necessity

B. The roads were not usually paved and even brick roads accumulated dust and debris. Since most people walked in sandals or barefoot, the feet would get dirty walking in the city

C. Humble job

D. Typically, the master of the house would provide the water and towel for the visitor to wash with, John 7:44. If the family were wealthy, a servant, probably the lowest rank, would wash the visitor’s feet.

E. Jesus intended to teach them a lesson, not institute a new practice for the church.

F. Some religions have made foot washing a sacrament, a ritualized practice that must be performed.

G. However, it is clear from the context that servitude, not foot washing, was to be continually practiced.

H. When Jesus came to Peter, Peter refused since Jesus was the master.

I. When Jesus rebuked Peter, the apostle went to the other extreme.

J. In Peter’s mind, if foot washing was desirable, why not wash him completely. However, Jesus said that only his feet needed washing. Jesus was providing a service that they needed, not instituting a practice for show. In churches where foot washing is practiced, the feet are probably cleaner than at any other time of the year. If Jesus did not institute a ritual, what did He do?

V. Jesus taught the apostles

A. Jesus taught humility (Chart 2)

B. They had argued about who would be the greatest in the kingdom.

C. They anticipated a powerful world empire and desired places of prominence in the new kingdom.

D. Jesus’ influence was such that self-seeking, ambitious men were transformed into servants of the kingdom, willing to die for it. Jesus taught them to be servants of all, Matthew 20:25-28. Jesus showed them that mutual service would characterize this new kingdom by washing their feet. This is a profound attitude change for the apostles.

E. Jesus taught service (Chart 3)

F. The servant is not above his master so if the master served, then the servant has not choice but to humble himself.

G. We worship a God who serves!

H. He is to be adored, praised, and worshipped. In humility, He came as a man, lived among sinful men, preached the gospel, then died a cruel and unjust death. He is worthy to be served.

I. Jesus taught love and service to enemies

J. Jesus washed Judas’ feet, the one who would deny Him that night. It would be easy, and understandable, for Jesus, when He came to Judas, to refuse to wash the feet of his betrayer. However, Jesus showed in this that sometimes we must even serve our enemies; sometimes enemies who may act like our friends. It is easy to serve someone who appreciates you, it is tough to show that same humility and service to one who has made himself your enemy.

VI. Application (Chart 4)

A. Our humble service

B. Even today, Jesus is changing self-seeking, ambitious people into servants.

C. Philippians 2:1-11

D. The change begins with a mind like Christ. We must follow his example.

E. Cannot be proud and wash feet.

F. W. Tozer: “Because Christ Jesus came to the world clothed in humility, he will always be found among those who are clothed with humility. He will be found among the humble people.” We must never consider ourselves too good to serve the least of our brethren here.

G. Specific application (Chart 5)

H. Do not lord over another’s faith, Romans 14:1-4, 9-10 Comfort others with the comfort you have received, 2 Corinthians 1:4 Financially help others as you have been blessed, Ephesians 4:28. Work together for the growth of the body, Ephesians 4:1-3, 16 Serve, don’t eat, one another, Galatians 5:13-15 Be a faithful servant, not a slacker, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. In serving one another, we serve Jesus.

VII. Invitation

A. John 13:8 – “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me”

B. Though not the meaning of the passage, this thought extends to another realm.

C. When we are baptized, we are washed in the blood of Christ.

D. Galatians 3:26-27 – If we are not baptized, we cannot put on Christ. Acts 22:16 – If we are baptized, we cannot have our sins washed away. Titus 3:4-7 – If we are not baptized, we cannot be saved by His mercy and grace and regenerated through Jesus. If we will not humble ourselves and let Jesus wash us, we will have no part with Him.