WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.099 A few years ago, Daniel Craig, who you'll probably know as James Bond, he was in Macbeth on Broadway. 00:00:12.099 --> 00:00:20.600 ! And I saw a clip online of him coming out the stage door to greet the crowd at the end of the show. 00:00:20.600 --> 00:00:24.320 There was a crowd that had gathered by the stage door hoping to get a glimpse. 00:00:24.320 --> 00:00:30.420 And he came out and he said, thank you, thank you, thank you. 00:00:30.420 --> 00:00:38.460 And he waved to people and he touched his chest and gave that kind of earnest look, you know, as if to say, I'm so grateful that you're here. 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:41.120 That was one thing. 00:00:41.240 --> 00:00:48.820 But as he was doing this, as he was going around and waving, I noticed behind him there was a little crowd of people that were being ushered in the stage door. 00:00:48.820 --> 00:00:54.619 And when Daniel had finished what he was doing, he followed them. 00:00:56.140 --> 00:00:58.640 They had what every theater goer wants. 00:00:59.420 --> 00:01:00.780 They had backstage passes. 00:01:01.920 --> 00:01:04.319 They had access to a more intimate setting. 00:01:04.480 --> 00:01:09.539 They were able to see and hear from the Great One up close and personal. 00:01:11.060 --> 00:01:15.280 And that's what's going on as we turn to these chapters in John's Gospel. 00:01:15.280 --> 00:01:18.939 Jesus' public ministry has come to an end at the end of chapter 12. 00:01:19.820 --> 00:01:24.640 And as he withdraws, he brings a special group with him for a private meeting. 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:27.980 His disciples, verse 1, his own. 00:01:29.180 --> 00:01:31.640 They are given backstage passes. 00:01:32.900 --> 00:01:40.480 And it is the most intimate and personal gathering where Jesus will explain both what his ministry up to this point has meant, 00:01:40.939 --> 00:01:44.200 as well as the significance of everything that lies ahead. 00:01:44.200 --> 00:01:46.299 His hour has come. 00:01:46.719 --> 00:01:47.740 13, verse 1. 00:01:48.379 --> 00:01:54.740 He told us back in 12.23, if you turn back the page, he told us in 12.23 that this has happened. 00:01:55.500 --> 00:01:56.500 The moment has come. 00:01:56.799 --> 00:02:03.359 And we've been waiting for this moment all the way back from chapter 2 when he told his mother that his hour had not yet come. 00:02:04.560 --> 00:02:11.840 The hour is the hour of his death and resurrection and return to his Father in heaven. 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:16.140 It is the hour that lies at the epicenter of human history. 00:02:17.140 --> 00:02:18.599 And it has arrived. 00:02:19.300 --> 00:02:20.199 It's here. 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:22.480 It's Thursday evening. 00:02:23.219 --> 00:02:26.819 It's the last 24 hours of Jesus' earthly life. 00:02:27.240 --> 00:02:32.219 These chapters are the last words that he will say to his disciples before his death. 00:02:32.580 --> 00:02:35.759 These are monumental chapters of biblical text. 00:02:35.759 --> 00:02:38.780 We aren't just backstage. 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:40.739 We're on holy ground. 00:02:42.579 --> 00:02:46.959 And here at the start of chapter 13, we are being oriented to all that lies ahead. 00:02:47.060 --> 00:02:49.099 Let's drill in for a moment to verse 1. 00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:49.959 Look at verse 1. 00:02:49.960 --> 00:02:51.800 So when is this happening? 00:02:52.620 --> 00:02:54.540 Before the Feast of Passover. 00:02:54.840 --> 00:02:55.480 Which feast? 00:02:55.960 --> 00:02:57.219 The Feast of Passover. 00:02:57.820 --> 00:03:03.480 When the Passover lambs were killed and God's people celebrated how God had rescued them from slavery in Egypt. 00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:06.640 It was the event that defined them as a people. 00:03:06.939 --> 00:03:11.520 And they celebrated this every year with great joy and really significant reverence. 00:03:12.540 --> 00:03:14.120 What does Jesus know? 00:03:15.060 --> 00:03:16.620 He knows that his hour has come. 00:03:16.860 --> 00:03:18.700 What does this hour entail? 00:03:18.699 --> 00:03:22.739 He will, he tells us, depart from the world and return to the Father. 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:24.780 His departure is his death. 00:03:25.259 --> 00:03:28.679 And his return to the Father is everything that will follow that. 00:03:29.019 --> 00:03:30.079 His glorification. 00:03:30.659 --> 00:03:34.579 That thing to which he has alluded all the way throughout the gospel up to this point. 00:03:34.819 --> 00:03:36.060 What motivates all of this? 00:03:36.139 --> 00:03:36.620 Verse 1. 00:03:36.979 --> 00:03:38.839 Having loved his own who were in the world. 00:03:39.239 --> 00:03:40.399 Who does he love? 00:03:40.519 --> 00:03:41.079 His own. 00:03:41.419 --> 00:03:42.159 His disciples. 00:03:42.579 --> 00:03:43.719 Those whom he had chosen. 00:03:44.019 --> 00:03:44.699 What did he do? 00:03:44.879 --> 00:03:46.500 He loved them to the end. 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:53.819 All that follows is the outworking of the love of Christ for his people. 00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:55.800 12.23. 00:03:56.000 --> 00:03:58.960 The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 00:03:59.620 --> 00:04:00.740 The Son of Man. 00:04:01.719 --> 00:04:05.620 Jesus' title of choice to describe himself in the gospels. 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:10.039 But he is that exalted figure with all power and authority from the book of Daniel. 00:04:10.560 --> 00:04:12.020 He's taking the title from there. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:16.379 And we're told that the Son of Man is now ready to be glorified. 00:04:16.740 --> 00:04:18.540 Well, of course he should be glorified. 00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:22.319 It is fitting for someone so great to receive glory and honor. 00:04:22.560 --> 00:04:25.000 He is the cosmic king of all the earth. 00:04:25.319 --> 00:04:26.019 12.31. 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:28.620 Now is also the judgment of the world. 00:04:29.439 --> 00:04:29.959 32. 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:33.540 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. 00:04:33.540 --> 00:04:36.700 It's time for the Son of Man, the Great One, to be glorified. 00:04:37.480 --> 00:04:39.800 It's also the time for the judgment of the world. 00:04:41.160 --> 00:04:41.819 Jesus says, 00:04:41.980 --> 00:04:45.700 When I am lifted up, the language of exaltation and glorification, 00:04:46.040 --> 00:04:48.580 when I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself. 00:04:49.340 --> 00:04:52.140 He said this, verse 33, chapter 12.33, 00:04:52.360 --> 00:04:57.400 He said this to show by what kind of death He was going to die. 00:04:57.399 --> 00:05:05.719 What is all this glorification and all this majesty and all this great one and death doing in the same sentence? 00:05:05.919 --> 00:05:08.179 The exalted King will be glorified. 00:05:08.439 --> 00:05:10.159 He will be lifted high. 00:05:11.839 --> 00:05:15.759 But He'll be on a cross to die. 00:05:17.099 --> 00:05:18.219 This is the hour. 00:05:19.620 --> 00:05:23.739 This is what it means for Him to love His people to the end. 00:05:23.740 --> 00:05:30.180 The cross of Good Friday is the blazing center of the love of God for His people. 00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:34.040 But this is such an astonishing paradox. 00:05:34.800 --> 00:05:37.540 How can the King of Glory die a criminal's death? 00:05:38.040 --> 00:05:45.879 It's such an astonishing paradox that Jesus begins His last 24 hours by taking His disciples through what this will mean. 00:05:46.340 --> 00:05:48.680 Taking His disciples to this point. 00:05:49.060 --> 00:05:51.840 This is the focus of this backstage gathering. 00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:55.979 The significance of the cross that He will hang on tomorrow afternoon. 00:05:56.259 --> 00:05:59.159 And He starts with foot washing. 00:06:00.779 --> 00:06:04.159 What has foot washing got to do with the cross? 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:11.139 Well, these events I want to say four things about what's going on in chapter 13 as it relates to the cross. 00:06:11.259 --> 00:06:16.159 The foot washing, first of all, point number one, enacts its effect. 00:06:16.160 --> 00:06:19.160 It enacts its effect. 00:06:19.260 --> 00:06:20.060 Verses 2-5. 00:06:20.060 --> 00:06:50.019 Now, if you've been in the church for any length. 00:06:50.060 --> 00:06:51.680 You're familiar with this story. 00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:56.579 But we may miss the fact that the reason this happens is because of a problem. 00:06:57.959 --> 00:07:05.459 In this culture, when you went to eat at someone's house, it was custom for the host to provide water and usually a servant to clean your feet. 00:07:05.459 --> 00:07:08.939 Tarmac and pavements weren't yet a thing. 00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:12.339 So roads were dirty and footwear was minimal. 00:07:12.979 --> 00:07:20.159 Plus, the seating arrangements at table when you came to eat were different from the ones that we typically use today. 00:07:20.160 --> 00:07:23.439 You didn't sit on a seat with your feet on the floor. 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:32.100 You reclined on your elbow with your feet extended out and sort of followed around the table like that. 00:07:32.180 --> 00:07:35.780 Which meant that your feet were beside the head of the next person. 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:38.060 Hence the need for the washing. 00:07:38.060 --> 00:07:42.639 And on this occasion, no one has done this. 00:07:43.480 --> 00:07:44.740 Which is strange. 00:07:45.980 --> 00:07:47.120 That would have been the custom. 00:07:47.240 --> 00:07:48.360 It would have been very normal. 00:07:48.620 --> 00:07:51.579 And it's especially strange given who they are with. 00:07:51.980 --> 00:07:54.540 The Lord, 12-49, has told us, 00:07:54.980 --> 00:07:57.019 He is the Lord who has come from the Father. 00:07:57.019 --> 00:08:03.319 Now, we're not told why this oversight has happened, 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:09.419 but Luke tells us in chapter 22 of his gospel that it was because the disciples were arguing over who was the greatest. 00:08:11.579 --> 00:08:16.279 The disciples prepared the Passover, but they didn't provide cleaning. 00:08:16.279 --> 00:08:27.879 They didn't mind hosting a meal, which was an expression of worship and a reason for joy and for reverence, 00:08:28.079 --> 00:08:32.639 but they were way too important to do the task of a servant. 00:08:33.860 --> 00:08:35.779 They were arguing about who was the greatest. 00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:39.480 And if that is your metric, you're never going to stoop to serve. 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:41.959 Not the Lord Jesus. 00:08:42.839 --> 00:08:43.699 He rises. 00:08:46.279 --> 00:08:51.579 In our day, it would be he takes off his jacket and he puts on the servant's apron. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:53.539 He gets the water. 00:08:53.659 --> 00:08:55.199 He washes the disciples' feet. 00:08:55.339 --> 00:08:57.579 This is remarkable humility. 00:08:59.439 --> 00:09:03.079 The King of glory stoops to serve. 00:09:03.339 --> 00:09:10.220 Even, even washing the feet of the one who will betray him. 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:12.100 Isn't that interesting? 00:09:12.100 --> 00:09:14.559 The only disciple who creates a fuss is Peter. 00:09:14.559 --> 00:09:18.839 The others, they were very happy to be served by the Lord Jesus. 00:09:20.279 --> 00:09:24.279 And Judas, Judas knew what he was about to do. 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:26.599 He was happy to have Jesus serve him. 00:09:28.339 --> 00:09:33.759 And Jesus, who knew what was coming, still washed Judas' feet. 00:09:34.659 --> 00:09:36.239 Do you think Judas made eye contact? 00:09:36.240 --> 00:09:40.080 Do you think he was too ashamed? 00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:47.340 Do you think Jesus held his gaze and stared at him knowing what he was about to do? 00:09:50.940 --> 00:09:51.779 I don't know. 00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:53.139 It's not important. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:53.779 We're not told. 00:09:55.639 --> 00:09:58.180 But Jesus loved his disciples to the end. 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:00.080 Astonishing humility. 00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:02.960 But remember, this is about the cross. 00:10:03.379 --> 00:10:04.920 It's not just about the foot washing. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:09.660 And it's not just about the cross insofar as Jesus humbles himself, 00:10:10.060 --> 00:10:15.300 but in the way that the washing pictures what the greater act of service will achieve. 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:16.840 Cleansing. 00:10:18.160 --> 00:10:21.420 Not of dirt from feet, but cleansing from sin. 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:27.699 In the Old Testament, sin is often depicted as uncleanness or impurity. 00:10:28.479 --> 00:10:31.000 And the offering of sacrifices was said to bring cleansing. 00:10:31.199 --> 00:10:33.779 Sin is atoned for and the sinner is cleansed. 00:10:34.299 --> 00:10:36.559 This is what the cross achieves for the believer. 00:10:36.860 --> 00:10:39.879 The removal of our uncleanness and our impurity. 00:10:40.240 --> 00:10:44.519 The blood of Christ washes all of our sins away. 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:46.959 Look at verse 10. 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:49.860 Those words of Peter, they are delightful. 00:10:49.860 --> 00:10:56.539 Verse 10, you, those words to Peter rather, you are clean. 00:10:59.300 --> 00:11:03.220 That's the offer of the cross of Jesus Christ. 00:11:04.580 --> 00:11:09.019 The removal of the stains that sin leaves in our lives. 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:15.879 Cleansing from every foul thing we have ever said or ever done 00:11:15.879 --> 00:11:19.500 or that has ever been said or done to us. 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:21.059 Every single one of them. 00:11:22.899 --> 00:11:27.500 Who among us is not ashamed of things in our past? 00:11:27.679 --> 00:11:30.539 If we could only go back and delete that bit of the film, 00:11:30.940 --> 00:11:34.419 cut that scene out and get rid of it altogether. 00:11:34.679 --> 00:11:35.940 Well, the cross deals with it. 00:11:36.279 --> 00:11:37.720 The cross deals with it all. 00:11:37.720 --> 00:11:43.820 I found myself yesterday at the back of our garden. 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:48.960 I went to brush something up and realized there was a load of dirt in the gutter on my study. 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:51.660 And so I climbed up and went along and pulled all this. 00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:54.540 And it was just lots and lots and lots of filthy gunk. 00:11:54.680 --> 00:11:56.279 And my hands were completely covered. 00:11:56.279 --> 00:11:58.279 And I go back inside. 00:11:58.279 --> 00:12:01.899 And just washing all of that dirt off feels great. 00:12:02.319 --> 00:12:04.579 It feels great to get clean. 00:12:05.959 --> 00:12:08.819 To be clean on the inside feels even better. 00:12:08.820 --> 00:12:15.500 And I want to say if you're not a Christian, that is what Jesus holds out to you this morning. 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:18.640 That is the offer of the cross of Christ. 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:23.460 Put your faith in Him and the effect of the cross will be applied to your life. 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:26.379 Cleansing for every sin. 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:30.899 If you're not a Christian, that's the offer. 00:12:31.159 --> 00:12:34.799 But if, like me, you're a Christian, you need to be reminded of this reality. 00:12:35.659 --> 00:12:37.320 I need this reminder all the time. 00:12:37.399 --> 00:12:42.200 In Christ, whatever your past, whatever this past week, 00:12:42.439 --> 00:12:44.100 verse 10, look at verse 10, 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:47.080 you are completely clean. 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:52.220 When you're ashamed of things in your past, 00:12:52.220 --> 00:12:55.500 and Satan comes and he tries to accuse you, 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:58.480 tries to tell you that you couldn't possibly be a Christian 00:12:58.480 --> 00:13:00.179 because of these things that you did, 00:13:00.299 --> 00:13:01.820 or these things that you said, 00:13:02.340 --> 00:13:04.720 and that sense of shame comes over you, 00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:05.899 remember those words. 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:08.240 You are completely clean. 00:13:12.899 --> 00:13:14.600 When that thought comes to your head, 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:17.080 remind yourself of that and smile. 00:13:19.460 --> 00:13:22.399 So first of all, Jesus enacts the cross's effect. 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:25.159 Then secondly, he expresses its necessity. 00:13:25.500 --> 00:13:27.100 He expresses its necessity. 00:13:27.259 --> 00:13:28.299 That's verses 6 to 8. 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:30.059 Look at the exchange with Peter. 00:13:30.179 --> 00:13:31.639 He came to Simon Peter who said to him, 00:13:31.700 --> 00:13:33.480 Lord, you do not wash my feet. 00:13:34.840 --> 00:13:35.659 Jesus answered him, 00:13:35.700 --> 00:13:38.659 What I'm doing you do not understand now, clearly. 00:13:39.220 --> 00:13:40.740 But afterward, you will understand. 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:43.740 Peter's still not getting it. 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:48.200 You will never wash my feet. 00:13:48.200 --> 00:13:50.259 Jesus answered him. 00:13:50.259 --> 00:13:53.500 If I do not wash you, you have no share with me. 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:58.200 There's a sense in which Peter's reaction initially is understandable. 00:13:58.680 --> 00:14:00.920 It's completely wrong that Jesus, the King of Glory, 00:14:00.980 --> 00:14:02.300 would do such a menial task, 00:14:02.340 --> 00:14:06.280 and that Peter would be served in this way by the King of Glory. 00:14:06.279 --> 00:14:09.720 You wash my feet? 00:14:10.679 --> 00:14:11.120 No. 00:14:13.039 --> 00:14:15.339 Jesus says Peter doesn't understand, verse 7, 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:17.419 and that's clear by his persistence in verse 8. 00:14:17.659 --> 00:14:18.539 No, no, no, never. 00:14:18.759 --> 00:14:19.000 Never. 00:14:19.100 --> 00:14:19.959 This isn't going to happen. 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:22.459 You're the one, Jesus, who's got it wrong. 00:14:24.220 --> 00:14:28.220 But Jesus cuts through all of the Peter-like bluster 00:14:28.220 --> 00:14:30.079 and says if he doesn't, 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:31.839 then Peter has no relationship with him. 00:14:31.840 --> 00:14:34.519 If I do not wash you, you have no share with me. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:38.440 If you don't allow Jesus to cleanse you, 00:14:39.440 --> 00:14:41.259 you can have no part in him. 00:14:42.540 --> 00:14:43.480 This is the key. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:46.180 It's not just about foot washing. 00:14:47.680 --> 00:14:49.100 It's about what it depicts. 00:14:49.660 --> 00:14:52.620 And if you don't allow the King of Glory to serve you in this way, 00:14:52.700 --> 00:14:53.899 you miss out completely. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:57.240 And lots of us, lots of people, 00:14:57.420 --> 00:14:59.680 don't allow him to serve them. 00:14:59.679 --> 00:15:01.979 It's the problem of grace. 00:15:02.099 --> 00:15:03.359 We find it too offensive. 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:06.500 Grace, you see, receiving something as a gift, 00:15:06.959 --> 00:15:09.759 it requires us to admit our need of cleansing, 00:15:10.299 --> 00:15:11.039 which is humbling. 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:15.219 It requires us to admit that we can do nothing ourselves 00:15:15.219 --> 00:15:17.500 to fix the problem, which is doubly humbling. 00:15:18.019 --> 00:15:21.620 So we need it, and we can't sort it out. 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:23.419 Doubly humbling. 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:27.240 And it requires us to admit that it took the death 00:15:27.240 --> 00:15:29.139 of the Son of God to cleanse us. 00:15:30.439 --> 00:15:31.759 Which is just almost, 00:15:31.979 --> 00:15:33.739 well, it's too humbling for some people, 00:15:33.819 --> 00:15:35.039 and so they refuse to go there. 00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:40.120 Don't let your ego get in the way of your need for salvation. 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:44.839 Don't let your ego get in the way of your need for salvation 00:15:44.839 --> 00:15:46.319 and the grace that Christ gives. 00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:48.560 Peter then gets it. 00:15:48.560 --> 00:15:49.160 Verse 9. 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.580 Jesus says, 00:15:52.660 --> 00:15:54.340 If I don't wash you, you can't have any part of me. 00:15:54.420 --> 00:15:54.600 He goes, 00:15:54.700 --> 00:15:55.879 Right, well, wash all of me then. 00:15:56.020 --> 00:15:56.960 Every single bit. 00:15:57.060 --> 00:15:59.840 From the tip of my top of my hair 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:01.120 all the way to the bottom of my feet. 00:16:01.300 --> 00:16:01.960 All of me. 00:16:02.580 --> 00:16:04.000 And that's the natural response. 00:16:04.220 --> 00:16:07.100 When the penny drops and you push your ego aside. 00:16:07.800 --> 00:16:08.580 We know, don't we, 00:16:08.640 --> 00:16:10.640 I need more than my dirty feet to be cleansed. 00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:13.539 Every part of me needs to be transformed. 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:16.899 And Jesus says to him, 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:18.159 He says to Peter, 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:19.860 That's what happens when you come to Christ. 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:21.039 You are already clean. 00:16:22.199 --> 00:16:24.860 You're already clean because of the atoning work of the cross 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:27.819 that is about to happen the next day. 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:31.340 The point is the necessity of the cross of Christ. 00:16:31.340 --> 00:16:35.460 We have to be cleansed by Jesus in order to belong to him. 00:16:37.680 --> 00:16:41.420 And we cannot serve Christ until we have first been served by him. 00:16:44.920 --> 00:16:46.080 I hope you know, don't you, 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:47.940 that apart from the cross of Christ, 00:16:48.019 --> 00:16:49.120 there is no Christian faith. 00:16:51.300 --> 00:16:53.800 It's such an offense to people. 00:16:55.019 --> 00:16:56.600 And there are people in the church 00:16:56.600 --> 00:16:59.440 who want to just kind of sideline the cross completely 00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:01.080 because it's such an offense. 00:17:01.860 --> 00:17:02.840 Apart from the cross, 00:17:02.940 --> 00:17:04.600 there is no Christian faith. 00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:06.460 Apart from Christ's cleansing, 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:07.940 there is no Christian life. 00:17:08.799 --> 00:17:09.740 Apart from repentance, 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:11.400 we cannot be cleansed 00:17:11.400 --> 00:17:13.559 and we have no share with Jesus. 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:15.880 The cross is the only way to life with Jesus. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:17.460 There is no other way. 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.299 We're going to hear that, 00:17:18.559 --> 00:17:19.059 Lord willing, 00:17:19.220 --> 00:17:20.039 in chapter 14. 00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:23.900 There is a growing amount 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:26.200 at the moment of cultural interest in Christianity. 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:28.860 Lots of high-profile figures are saying 00:17:28.860 --> 00:17:30.600 positive things about religion 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:31.500 and spirituality 00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:32.619 and God, 00:17:32.699 --> 00:17:35.619 and some are even saying positive things about Jesus. 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:36.799 The author, Tom Holland, 00:17:37.159 --> 00:17:38.539 writes about and speaks about 00:17:38.539 --> 00:17:41.119 the influence of Christianity on civilization. 00:17:42.219 --> 00:17:43.339 Louise Perry and others 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:44.439 are discussing the ethical 00:17:44.439 --> 00:17:45.279 and the moral effect 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:47.019 that rejecting Christianity has had 00:17:47.019 --> 00:17:48.299 and speaking positively 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:49.819 about a return in that direction. 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:51.379 Old Russell Brand 00:17:51.379 --> 00:17:53.059 seems to be on his own journey. 00:17:53.199 --> 00:17:53.740 He, I think, 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:55.180 I believe he got baptized 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:57.599 according to his own system 00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:58.380 this week 00:17:58.380 --> 00:18:00.960 in the Thames. 00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:02.440 You've got to be keen 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.480 in order to get in there 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:05.640 with all the E. coli. 00:18:07.059 --> 00:18:08.660 Now, I'm grateful for all of this. 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:10.180 I think it's a really good thing for us 00:18:10.180 --> 00:18:11.980 that these people are talking in this way. 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:13.380 I'm grateful for these conversations. 00:18:13.519 --> 00:18:14.440 But the truth is 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:16.420 that unless someone is washed 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:17.440 by the Lord Jesus 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:19.339 by putting their faith in Him, 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:21.319 by surrendering their lives 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:23.480 completely body and soul to Him, 00:18:23.559 --> 00:18:24.579 they have no part in Him. 00:18:25.220 --> 00:18:27.539 They remain interested observers. 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:32.079 The cross is absolutely necessary. 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:33.799 And also, just to say, 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:34.299 do you see, 00:18:34.379 --> 00:18:35.539 it's also sufficient. 00:18:36.179 --> 00:18:37.819 Once you come to Jesus for washing, 00:18:37.939 --> 00:18:38.460 verse 10, 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:40.220 you don't start over again 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:41.119 every time you sin. 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:43.819 I put that in in the fill in the blanks. 00:18:43.819 --> 00:18:44.319 Gold diggers. 00:18:44.399 --> 00:18:45.740 Those of you that are doing gold diggers, 00:18:45.819 --> 00:18:46.359 boys and girls, 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.399 that's the thing. 00:18:47.399 --> 00:18:50.460 Listen, once you come to Jesus for washing, 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:52.600 you don't start over again 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:53.620 every time you sin. 00:18:54.360 --> 00:18:55.880 That's question 10, gold diggers. 00:18:57.860 --> 00:18:59.180 Once you have been cleansed, 00:18:59.200 --> 00:18:59.920 you remain clean. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:02.120 You just need to wash off the dirt 00:19:02.120 --> 00:19:04.000 that you pick up as you go along. 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.920 It's confessing our daily sins, 00:19:06.079 --> 00:19:07.160 not coming to Christ 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:08.319 every time we sin again. 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:11.299 Once you have had a bath, 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:12.920 coming to Christ by faith, 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:15.579 it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. 00:19:16.100 --> 00:19:17.000 Once you've had a bath, 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:18.380 you just need to get your feet washed. 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:19.819 Regular confession. 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:27.940 When Jesus finishes washing the disciples' feet, 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:28.880 He returns to the table, 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.340 checks that they've understood 00:19:30.340 --> 00:19:31.539 what He has done 00:19:31.539 --> 00:19:33.480 and what it means for them. 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:37.620 The absolute necessity of the cross. 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:40.740 But then He also explains, 00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:41.900 point number three, 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:43.259 He explains its example. 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.880 He explains its example. 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:46.180 12 to 14. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:48.180 When He had washed their feet, 00:19:48.279 --> 00:19:49.200 put on His outer garments, 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.059 and resumed His place, 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:50.619 He said to them, 00:19:50.659 --> 00:19:52.039 Do you understand what I have done to you? 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.659 You call Me teacher and Lord, 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:54.359 and you're right, 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:55.119 for so I am. 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:57.200 If I then, your Lord and teacher, 00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:58.059 have washed your feet, 00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:59.319 you also ought to wash 00:19:59.319 --> 00:20:00.440 one another's feet. 00:20:01.119 --> 00:20:02.440 For I have given you an example 00:20:02.440 --> 00:20:04.319 that you also should do 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:05.399 just as I have done to you. 00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:06.720 Truly, truly, I say to you, 00:20:06.740 --> 00:20:07.799 a servant is not greater 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:08.559 than his master, 00:20:08.919 --> 00:20:09.779 nor is a messenger 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:11.079 greater than the one 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:12.039 who sent Him. 00:20:14.139 --> 00:20:15.059 Jesus' posture, 00:20:15.399 --> 00:20:17.220 in this exchange, 00:20:17.939 --> 00:20:18.740 is an example 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:20.740 for believers to follow. 00:20:21.439 --> 00:20:22.740 It's not that we are literally 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:24.159 to wash one another's feet. 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:24.960 It's not that we need 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:26.480 buckets and sponges at the door, 00:20:26.639 --> 00:20:28.980 but that the pattern of the cross 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:30.639 is supposed to play out 00:20:30.639 --> 00:20:32.859 in the lives of Christ's followers. 00:20:32.859 --> 00:20:35.359 We are supposed to see ourselves 00:20:35.359 --> 00:20:36.819 as servants. 00:20:39.659 --> 00:20:42.659 Jesus draws a big, straight line 00:20:42.659 --> 00:20:44.719 between servant and master, 00:20:44.899 --> 00:20:46.339 such that if you call Him 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:47.659 Lord and teacher, 00:20:48.379 --> 00:20:49.699 and as Lord and teacher, 00:20:49.899 --> 00:20:51.439 He is prepared to humble Himself 00:20:51.439 --> 00:20:52.479 to the lowest point, 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:54.339 then it would be absurd 00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:56.479 to suggest that it is beneath us 00:20:56.479 --> 00:20:57.179 to do the same. 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:00.839 This group were arguing 00:21:00.839 --> 00:21:02.139 about who was the greatest. 00:21:03.219 --> 00:21:05.059 Who had the most credible reason 00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:06.159 to be served 00:21:06.159 --> 00:21:07.679 rather than to serve. 00:21:08.859 --> 00:21:10.019 We have our own ways 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:10.979 of avoiding service. 00:21:13.159 --> 00:21:14.139 There's lots of reasons 00:21:14.139 --> 00:21:15.479 that we might present. 00:21:16.419 --> 00:21:17.599 You don't need to serve the poor. 00:21:17.679 --> 00:21:18.699 We have a welfare state. 00:21:19.419 --> 00:21:21.259 We can't fix everyone's problems, 00:21:21.399 --> 00:21:22.659 so, well, we shouldn't try 00:21:22.659 --> 00:21:23.659 and fix anyone's problems. 00:21:24.199 --> 00:21:25.119 I think the big one 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:25.979 for all of us is, 00:21:26.479 --> 00:21:27.479 I would do that, 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.159 but I'm too busy. 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:33.080 There are people around you 00:21:33.080 --> 00:21:34.360 whom you could serve. 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:36.160 People with needs 00:21:36.160 --> 00:21:37.160 that you come across 00:21:37.160 --> 00:21:38.500 in your ordinary life 00:21:38.500 --> 00:21:40.480 and by belonging to the church. 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:42.960 Our Master stooped 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:44.960 a greater distance to serve us. 00:21:45.540 --> 00:21:47.519 He did it in a far more radical way 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:48.320 than we ever would 00:21:48.320 --> 00:21:49.160 for another person, 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:51.440 and we are not above Him. 00:21:51.440 --> 00:21:55.720 And let me also say this. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.860 As a relatively new member 00:21:56.860 --> 00:21:57.460 of this church, 00:21:57.539 --> 00:21:58.960 it has been a particular encouragement 00:21:58.960 --> 00:22:00.620 to see how Christ's example 00:22:00.620 --> 00:22:01.759 of service is followed here. 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:04.039 I say to you, 00:22:04.080 --> 00:22:04.940 if you feel challenged 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:06.100 by Christ's words here 00:22:06.100 --> 00:22:06.580 and you think, 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.940 I need to be more servant-hearted, 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:09.019 but I don't know where to start, 00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:10.900 look around in this church community 00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:12.100 and you'll see lots of people 00:22:12.100 --> 00:22:14.840 doing lots of servant-hearted things 00:22:14.840 --> 00:22:16.180 to serve other people. 00:22:16.180 --> 00:22:19.299 People just quietly 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.320 going the extra mile 00:22:20.320 --> 00:22:21.340 for those who need something. 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:23.380 Without a fuss or a fanfare, 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:25.160 people going the extra mile 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:27.420 in order to give time and money 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:28.519 because someone is struggling. 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:33.039 As a church family, 00:22:33.140 --> 00:22:33.600 keep going. 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:34.680 Keep going in that. 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:36.120 Because look at verse 17. 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:37.580 This is what invites God's blessing. 00:22:40.700 --> 00:22:41.660 Okay, so, 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:43.400 what's going on? 00:22:43.580 --> 00:22:44.259 First of all, 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:45.880 Jesus is talking about the cross. 00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:47.360 He enacts its effect. 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:49.280 He expresses its necessity. 00:22:49.760 --> 00:22:51.280 He explains its example, 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:52.820 the example of service. 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:53.760 One final detail 00:22:53.760 --> 00:22:54.860 that these verses highlight 00:22:54.860 --> 00:22:56.060 about the cross. 00:22:57.180 --> 00:22:57.800 And that is, 00:22:59.580 --> 00:23:01.000 they emphasize its cause. 00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:03.540 They emphasize its cause. 00:23:03.620 --> 00:23:03.820 You see, 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:04.800 when we ask the question 00:23:04.800 --> 00:23:05.880 of who is responsible 00:23:05.880 --> 00:23:06.900 for Good Friday, 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:09.100 who is responsible for the cross, 00:23:09.160 --> 00:23:10.320 we could start with verse 2. 00:23:11.060 --> 00:23:11.720 Look at verse 2. 00:23:11.800 --> 00:23:12.400 During supper, 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:13.740 when the devil had already 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:14.600 put it into the heart 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:15.560 of Judas Iscariot, 00:23:15.880 --> 00:23:17.600 we say, 00:23:17.760 --> 00:23:17.820 well, 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:18.740 Satan is behind 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:20.020 the betrayal 00:23:20.020 --> 00:23:21.120 that led to Jesus' death. 00:23:21.280 --> 00:23:21.980 It's Satan. 00:23:22.080 --> 00:23:22.700 It's responsible. 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:24.460 It's again in verse 27. 00:23:24.540 --> 00:23:25.240 He says it there. 00:23:26.820 --> 00:23:27.800 But then verse 2, 00:23:27.840 --> 00:23:29.240 it is also Judas 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.320 who makes the choice 00:23:30.320 --> 00:23:31.120 to betray Jesus 00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:32.280 when he put it 00:23:32.280 --> 00:23:33.840 into the heart of Judas Iscariot, 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:34.380 Simon's son, 00:23:34.440 --> 00:23:35.200 to betray him. 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:37.380 So Judas actually does it. 00:23:37.380 --> 00:23:38.059 Verse 31, 00:23:38.160 --> 00:23:39.720 it was him who went out, 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:41.819 verse 30 and 31, 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:43.259 to get the job done. 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:46.779 So who's responsible? 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:48.120 Is it Satan? 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:49.299 Is it Judas? 00:23:50.100 --> 00:23:50.660 Yes. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:53.160 Satan is at work. 00:23:53.360 --> 00:23:55.460 Judas' greed is also at work. 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:57.880 But the point that these verses 00:23:57.880 --> 00:24:00.019 are at pains to make 00:24:00.019 --> 00:24:01.920 again and again and again 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:04.360 is that Jesus is in control 00:24:04.360 --> 00:24:05.420 of the whole situation. 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.019 Verse 1, 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:07.740 have a look. 00:24:07.940 --> 00:24:08.779 Jesus knew 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:10.180 that his hour had come 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:11.180 to depart out of the world 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:12.300 to the Father. 00:24:13.140 --> 00:24:13.660 Verse 3, 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:15.200 Jesus knowing that the Father 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:16.019 had given all things 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.640 into his hands 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:17.620 and that he had come from God 00:24:17.620 --> 00:24:19.000 and was going back to God, 00:24:20.060 --> 00:24:22.019 he knew his time was up. 00:24:23.340 --> 00:24:24.800 He also knew who it was 00:24:24.800 --> 00:24:25.779 that was going to betray him. 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:26.360 Verse 11, 00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:27.339 for he knew 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.419 who was to betray him. 00:24:28.679 --> 00:24:29.359 That is why he said, 00:24:29.439 --> 00:24:30.199 not all of you are clean. 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:31.199 Again, verse 18, 00:24:31.359 --> 00:24:32.659 I'm not speaking of all of you. 00:24:32.879 --> 00:24:34.039 I know whom I have chosen, 00:24:34.139 --> 00:24:34.679 but the Scripture 00:24:34.679 --> 00:24:35.639 will be fulfilled. 00:24:35.939 --> 00:24:36.859 He who ate my bread 00:24:36.859 --> 00:24:38.479 has lifted his heel against me. 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:39.719 21, 00:24:39.879 --> 00:24:40.719 in case we don't know, 00:24:41.139 --> 00:24:41.679 truly, truly, 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:42.479 I say to you, 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:44.039 one of you will betray me. 00:24:44.199 --> 00:24:45.379 The disciples are confused 00:24:45.379 --> 00:24:46.179 when he says that. 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.159 One of us? 00:24:47.979 --> 00:24:50.179 And Peter gestures to John, 00:24:50.219 --> 00:24:51.599 the disciple that Jesus loved. 00:24:52.199 --> 00:24:53.099 He's over beside him. 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:53.439 He goes, 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:55.919 ask him to one of us. 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:59.319 You can imagine that. 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:00.279 Who is it? 00:25:00.479 --> 00:25:01.259 And John says, 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:03.279 who is it, Lord? 00:25:04.899 --> 00:25:05.939 Jesus explains, 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:06.939 and then he tells Judas 00:25:06.939 --> 00:25:07.879 to get on with the job, 00:25:07.919 --> 00:25:09.119 and as soon as Judas leaves, 00:25:09.639 --> 00:25:10.599 Jesus tells them, 00:25:13.099 --> 00:25:15.039 verse 31, 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:17.359 so we've got 30. 00:25:17.979 --> 00:25:19.559 After receiving the morsel of bread, 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:21.119 Judas immediately went out, 00:25:21.119 --> 00:25:22.219 and it was night. 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.259 When he had gone out, 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:24.859 Jesus said, 00:25:24.859 --> 00:25:27.479 now is the Son of Man glorified, 00:25:27.539 --> 00:25:28.799 and God is glorified in him. 00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:29.959 Now is the time. 00:25:32.099 --> 00:25:33.339 The ball is in motion. 00:25:34.299 --> 00:25:37.059 The point is that Jesus is in total control throughout, 00:25:37.219 --> 00:25:38.859 ensuring that the Scripture is fulfilled, 00:25:38.979 --> 00:25:39.479 verse 18, 00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:40.819 and ensuring that the plan unfolds 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.939 exactly as it should. 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:44.159 Jesus' death 00:25:44.159 --> 00:25:45.679 was unjust, 00:25:46.419 --> 00:25:47.740 and it was evil. 00:25:48.399 --> 00:25:50.519 It was the result of a corrupt regime 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:51.740 and a greedy establishment, 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:54.680 but it was not an accident of history. 00:25:56.799 --> 00:25:59.680 And Jesus is not a victim of circumstances either. 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:01.379 He was in complete control 00:26:01.379 --> 00:26:02.799 through every twist and turn. 00:26:02.879 --> 00:26:03.980 So we need to be clear. 00:26:04.740 --> 00:26:06.039 Jesus' life was given. 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:07.139 It was not taken. 00:26:07.140 --> 00:26:10.920 And why this matters 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:13.220 as we come in to land this morning. 00:26:13.360 --> 00:26:14.180 Why this matters 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:15.560 is because 00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:17.800 if the Lord Jesus was in control 00:26:17.800 --> 00:26:19.140 at that point in history, 00:26:19.540 --> 00:26:22.180 in the darkest 24 hours of His life, 00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:25.160 then you can trust that He is in control 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:28.920 in the darkest hour of your life as well. 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:33.660 If He was working out His good and perfect plans 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:34.840 for the blessing of the whole world 00:26:34.840 --> 00:26:36.400 in this situation, 00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:38.460 He can be trusted to be working out 00:26:38.460 --> 00:26:40.740 those same plans for your good 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:41.860 in whatever trials, 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:43.100 in whatever betrayal, 00:26:43.320 --> 00:26:45.680 in whatever suffering you're experiencing. 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:48.120 So trust Him. 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.039 Trust Him. 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:54.279 And allow the lessons of this backstage meeting with Jesus 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:56.600 that the cleansing of the cross 00:26:56.600 --> 00:26:57.620 that we all need 00:26:57.619 --> 00:26:59.339 leads to service of others 00:26:59.339 --> 00:27:01.259 and confidence that God is in charge 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:02.339 even in the dark times. 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:04.319 Allow these lessons 00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:06.359 to get into your heart 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:08.579 such that you can 00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:10.579 go into the world confident 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:13.059 that the Lord is in charge, 00:27:13.139 --> 00:27:14.079 He is working things out, 00:27:14.139 --> 00:27:15.619 that He has forgiven your sins 00:27:15.619 --> 00:27:17.039 and that you belong to Him. 00:27:18.619 --> 00:27:19.419 Let's pray together.