WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.280 John chapter 13, verses 1 to 20. 00:00:10.160 --> 00:00:17.100 Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, 00:00:17.719 --> 00:00:21.940 having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 00:00:21.940 --> 00:00:30.340 During supper, when the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 00:00:31.039 --> 00:00:40.020 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, rose from supper. 00:00:41.460 --> 00:00:47.840 He laid aside his outer garments and, taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:56.340 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. 00:00:57.720 --> 00:01:00.720 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, 00:01:01.500 --> 00:01:03.720 Lord, do you wash my feet? 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:06.060 Jesus answered him, 00:01:06.680 --> 00:01:13.200 What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand. 00:01:13.200 --> 00:01:15.980 Peter said to him, 00:01:16.760 --> 00:01:18.700 You shall never wash my feet. 00:01:19.900 --> 00:01:21.040 Jesus answered him, 00:01:21.540 --> 00:01:26.260 If I do not wash you, you have no share with me. 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:29.520 Simon Peter said to him, 00:01:30.320 --> 00:01:34.200 Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 00:01:35.579 --> 00:01:36.960 Jesus said to him, 00:01:36.959 --> 00:01:46.219 The one who has bathed does not need to wash except for his feet, but is completely clean. 00:01:47.519 --> 00:01:51.500 And you are clean, but not every one of you. 00:01:52.419 --> 00:01:54.319 For he knew who was to betray him. 00:01:54.919 --> 00:01:56.159 That was why he said, 00:01:56.819 --> 00:01:58.419 Not all of you are clean. 00:01:58.420 --> 00:02:04.219 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, 00:02:04.620 --> 00:02:05.240 he said to them, 00:02:05.540 --> 00:02:08.900 Do you understand what I have done to you? 00:02:10.240 --> 00:02:15.000 You call me teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 00:02:16.139 --> 00:02:20.439 If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, 00:02:21.020 --> 00:02:23.400 you also ought to wash one another's feet. 00:02:23.400 --> 00:02:29.420 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 00:02:30.620 --> 00:02:32.659 Truly, truly I say to you, 00:02:33.500 --> 00:02:35.719 A servant is not greater than his master, 00:02:36.219 --> 00:02:39.140 nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 00:02:40.120 --> 00:02:44.140 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 00:02:45.340 --> 00:02:47.340 I am not speaking of all of you. 00:02:47.960 --> 00:02:49.659 I know whom I have chosen. 00:02:50.840 --> 00:02:52.879 But the scripture will be fulfilled. 00:02:53.400 --> 00:02:57.020 He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me. 00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:01.840 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, 00:03:02.140 --> 00:03:05.819 that when it does take place, you may believe that I am he. 00:03:07.099 --> 00:03:08.920 Truly, truly I say to you, 00:03:09.500 --> 00:03:12.420 Whoever receives the one I send, receives me. 00:03:13.040 --> 00:03:17.080 And whoever receives me, receives the one who sent me. 00:03:17.900 --> 00:03:19.219 This is the word of God. 00:03:21.280 --> 00:03:22.420 Well, good morning everyone. 00:03:23.400 --> 00:03:25.420 My name is Gareth. 00:03:27.879 --> 00:03:32.120 If you don't know me, you'll detect I have a different accent to everyone else. 00:03:32.840 --> 00:03:34.740 Or everyone else has a different accent to me. 00:03:37.080 --> 00:03:38.060 All right, let's pray. 00:03:38.060 --> 00:03:38.099 Let's pray. 00:03:38.099 --> 00:03:50.519 Lord, we just ask this morning that you would speak to us through your word. 00:03:53.939 --> 00:03:57.419 Help us to hear, to understand. 00:03:57.419 --> 00:04:05.639 And not just to hear, but to do your bidding for your namesake. 00:04:06.699 --> 00:04:06.879 Amen. 00:04:11.879 --> 00:04:16.319 John chapter 12 brings an end to Jesus' public ministry. 00:04:16.319 --> 00:04:24.040 He now turns his attention to his disciples in order to prepare them for what was to come. 00:04:25.599 --> 00:04:33.180 They had followed him throughout this public ministry and had been amazed, awe-inspired, 00:04:33.180 --> 00:04:40.379 at times confused, and even fearful of the words and events they had witnessed. 00:04:41.819 --> 00:04:45.759 After he had calmed the storm in Lake Galilee, they said, 00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:51.199 Who is this that even the wind and the waves obey him? 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:56.939 They knew he was very special and they believed in him. 00:04:58.639 --> 00:05:01.759 Though as we will see, not all. 00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:09.680 But for those who believed, their belief was real and they stuck with him. 00:05:11.360 --> 00:05:19.279 Most recently, they had witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem 00:05:19.279 --> 00:05:21.060 with the people declaring, 00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:28.379 Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel. 00:05:28.379 --> 00:05:58.360 Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 00:05:58.379 --> 00:05:58.740 Glory. 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:04.699 At this point, they didn't know or understand the implications of this 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:09.019 and how their lives were about to be turned completely upside down, 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:11.719 being radically changed even more. 00:06:13.259 --> 00:06:15.300 But Jesus was there to prepare them. 00:06:17.939 --> 00:06:22.980 He loved them dearly and would do to the end, 00:06:22.980 --> 00:06:26.780 or to perfection, as John MacArthur puts it. 00:06:28.500 --> 00:06:30.120 Everything was now set. 00:06:31.000 --> 00:06:32.280 The hour had arrived. 00:06:33.420 --> 00:06:35.560 Jesus was going to return to his father, 00:06:36.200 --> 00:06:38.860 following unimaginable anguish, pain, 00:06:39.660 --> 00:06:41.300 and the sealing of a new covenant 00:06:41.300 --> 00:06:43.900 that would bring a cleansing salvation 00:06:43.900 --> 00:06:46.020 and peace with God 00:06:46.020 --> 00:06:48.259 to those who believe. 00:06:48.259 --> 00:06:52.000 Have you ever been in a situation 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:54.420 you felt really uncomfortable in? 00:06:55.539 --> 00:06:57.339 It's made you feel really awkward? 00:06:59.079 --> 00:07:02.599 Anne and I have been to many weddings in our time, 00:07:03.339 --> 00:07:06.120 but one of them stands out for a wrong reason. 00:07:06.120 --> 00:07:09.519 Or maybe so that I can give you an illustration now. 00:07:09.660 --> 00:07:09.959 I don't know. 00:07:11.660 --> 00:07:15.139 But along with all the couples whose weddings we've been to, 00:07:15.280 --> 00:07:16.959 we really liked this couple. 00:07:17.240 --> 00:07:19.480 They were lovely people. 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:22.420 We knew they were very popular. 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:25.220 And they had many friends. 00:07:26.400 --> 00:07:29.200 So for us to be invited was a tremendous privilege. 00:07:30.560 --> 00:07:31.460 But at the reception, 00:07:31.720 --> 00:07:33.980 we felt so awkward and uncomfortable. 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:37.020 Not because it was a bad reception. 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:42.560 But because we felt, quite frankly, 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:45.100 unworthy to be there. 00:07:45.100 --> 00:07:49.100 Inside, I was squirming, 00:07:49.740 --> 00:07:51.240 though it was a fabulous wedding. 00:07:52.580 --> 00:07:54.040 Have you ever had that feeling? 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:58.120 Now think of that feeling of awkwardness, 00:07:58.540 --> 00:08:00.840 magnified many times. 00:08:02.220 --> 00:08:04.040 And we may begin to understand 00:08:04.040 --> 00:08:07.200 how the disciples must have felt. 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:12.740 Supper had already began when Jesus got up 00:08:12.740 --> 00:08:15.220 and removed his outer garment 00:08:15.220 --> 00:08:17.500 and tying a towel to his waist. 00:08:17.900 --> 00:08:19.840 He began to wash the disciples' feet 00:08:19.840 --> 00:08:22.019 and then wipe them with a towel. 00:08:23.280 --> 00:08:24.480 Can you imagine the room 00:08:24.480 --> 00:08:26.480 previously filled with a hubbub 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:30.000 of relaxed conversation, 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:31.620 maybe even laughter? 00:08:33.700 --> 00:08:35.759 It would now have turned silent 00:08:35.759 --> 00:08:38.899 with the realization of what Jesus was doing. 00:08:38.899 --> 00:08:42.879 The relaxation turned to tension. 00:08:44.120 --> 00:08:45.980 All eyes fixed on Jesus 00:08:45.980 --> 00:08:48.919 in bewilderment and embarrassment. 00:08:50.459 --> 00:08:52.220 This was socially awkward. 00:08:53.139 --> 00:08:54.360 Not just socially awkward, 00:08:54.500 --> 00:08:55.879 it was outrageous, shocking. 00:08:57.360 --> 00:08:58.579 The washing of dusty feet 00:08:58.579 --> 00:09:01.259 would not usually take place 00:09:01.259 --> 00:09:02.139 in the middle of a meal. 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:04.240 It would take place before. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:07.139 It would normally be carried out 00:09:07.139 --> 00:09:08.240 by a bond servant. 00:09:08.539 --> 00:09:09.500 That's a slave. 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:12.639 Only a slave in this circumstance 00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:15.000 would be seen having removed 00:09:15.000 --> 00:09:15.899 their outer garment. 00:09:17.139 --> 00:09:18.600 The New Bible commentary says 00:09:18.600 --> 00:09:20.320 the removal of the outer garment 00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:21.779 and the wrapping of a towel 00:09:21.779 --> 00:09:22.539 around the waist 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:25.220 was the dress of menial service 00:09:25.220 --> 00:09:27.340 and would have been despised 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:30.919 by both Jew and Greek alike. 00:09:30.919 --> 00:09:35.379 Jesus, who had just been lorded 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:38.139 as Messiah, the King of Israel, 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:39.620 is now washing the feet 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:41.279 of those who serve him. 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:42.979 Awkward. 00:09:45.079 --> 00:09:47.279 They considered they were not worthy. 00:09:48.079 --> 00:09:50.240 This was no way for a king to behave. 00:09:51.399 --> 00:09:52.719 It was all too much for Peter. 00:09:53.500 --> 00:09:55.259 And he was the only one 00:09:55.259 --> 00:09:56.740 to vocalize what everyone else 00:09:56.740 --> 00:09:57.360 was thinking. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:59.639 Lord, do you wash my feet? 00:10:00.919 --> 00:10:02.779 Jesus ever patient. 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:06.719 Peter, you don't understand right now, 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:09.120 but later on you will. 00:10:10.139 --> 00:10:11.659 Meaning after the resurrection. 00:10:13.620 --> 00:10:15.179 Now if Peter had have thought 00:10:15.179 --> 00:10:17.899 through what Jesus had just said, 00:10:17.979 --> 00:10:19.279 he might have come to the conclusion, 00:10:19.899 --> 00:10:21.979 well, Jesus had never been wrong before. 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:30.060 In fact, he's done and said 00:10:30.060 --> 00:10:31.399 some amazing things. 00:10:33.180 --> 00:10:34.019 Yeah, okay. 00:10:34.320 --> 00:10:34.960 I'll trust him. 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:36.259 I'll let him wash my feet. 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:38.539 I'll understand later on. 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:41.720 But we know from other scripture 00:10:41.720 --> 00:10:43.759 that that's not Peter's personality, is it? 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:46.200 He acts or speaks first 00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:47.379 and thinks after. 00:10:48.820 --> 00:10:50.100 Noble as he may have thought 00:10:50.100 --> 00:10:51.100 he was being, he said, 00:10:51.420 --> 00:10:53.680 you shall never wash my feet. 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:56.180 The inference here is, 00:10:56.300 --> 00:10:57.440 Lord, this is below you. 00:10:57.759 --> 00:10:59.240 I can't allow you to do this. 00:11:00.320 --> 00:11:01.680 Do you realize what you're doing? 00:11:03.040 --> 00:11:04.100 I don't think you do. 00:11:05.560 --> 00:11:07.180 But of course, Jesus does. 00:11:08.240 --> 00:11:09.740 He loves them so much. 00:11:11.040 --> 00:11:12.779 He's willing to humble himself 00:11:12.779 --> 00:11:14.339 by this demonstration. 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:17.559 Preceding the ultimate act 00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:18.519 of humiliation 00:11:18.519 --> 00:11:19.959 and love, 00:11:20.519 --> 00:11:21.059 the cross. 00:11:22.100 --> 00:11:23.299 He also has something 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:24.720 very important to teach them. 00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:29.079 So he presses on. 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:31.779 If I do not wash you, 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:33.899 you have no share with me. 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:37.000 This is a game changer 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:38.879 that changes Peter's mind immediately. 00:11:38.879 --> 00:11:41.600 If you wash in my feet 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:43.120 means I have a share with you, 00:11:43.580 --> 00:11:44.360 then I'm all in. 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:46.080 In fact, Lord, 00:11:46.500 --> 00:11:48.419 wash my hands and my head also. 00:11:51.059 --> 00:11:52.960 Perhaps, understandably, 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:54.600 Peter has got the wrong end 00:11:54.600 --> 00:11:55.179 of the stick. 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:57.000 He wanted to be well 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:57.879 and truly clean. 00:11:59.139 --> 00:12:00.480 But this is only a part 00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:02.720 of what Jesus is teaching them. 00:12:03.899 --> 00:12:04.879 Just your feet, Peter. 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:07.220 You don't need a wash. 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:08.220 You are clean. 00:12:09.340 --> 00:12:10.660 But not every one of you 00:12:10.660 --> 00:12:11.139 is clean. 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:14.120 At first glance, 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:15.700 it might be a bit difficult 00:12:15.700 --> 00:12:16.420 to understand 00:12:16.420 --> 00:12:17.740 what's quite going on here. 00:12:18.420 --> 00:12:19.680 If Peter doesn't have 00:12:19.680 --> 00:12:21.200 his feet cleaned, 00:12:21.660 --> 00:12:23.259 he has no part of Jesus. 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:25.700 Yet not of all of those 00:12:25.700 --> 00:12:26.820 who are having their feet 00:12:26.820 --> 00:12:27.680 washed are clean. 00:12:28.160 --> 00:12:29.139 You have Judas in the room. 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:31.300 It's obvious that the feet washing 00:12:31.300 --> 00:12:33.680 is not the way to be clean. 00:12:33.679 --> 00:12:37.099 that it was symbolic 00:12:37.099 --> 00:12:38.199 of something else. 00:12:39.579 --> 00:12:40.839 But they did need to be clean 00:12:40.839 --> 00:12:42.759 to belong to Jesus. 00:12:44.039 --> 00:12:45.779 What was it that made them clean? 00:12:47.439 --> 00:12:49.139 If we jump a couple of chapters 00:12:49.139 --> 00:12:51.939 to John 15 and verse 3, 00:12:52.599 --> 00:12:54.219 Jesus tells them explicitly, 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:57.560 Already you are clean 00:12:57.560 --> 00:12:59.100 because of the word 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:00.660 I have spoken to you. 00:13:02.200 --> 00:13:03.000 Now it's clear 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:04.200 that simply hearing the word 00:13:04.200 --> 00:13:05.360 did not make them clean. 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:08.040 Because Jesus had spoken 00:13:08.040 --> 00:13:10.320 not only to his disciples, 00:13:10.840 --> 00:13:11.740 but publicly 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:13.320 to many people, 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:14.600 including the Pharisees, 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:16.700 who we know refused 00:13:16.700 --> 00:13:17.940 to believe 00:13:17.940 --> 00:13:19.700 so could not be clean. 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:21.840 The disciples believed 00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:23.460 and they were clean, 00:13:24.379 --> 00:13:25.280 though not all. 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:27.899 Soon Jesus 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:29.899 was to die on the cross. 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:31.180 Ultimately, 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:32.660 they would be cleansed 00:13:32.660 --> 00:13:33.560 by his blood 00:13:33.560 --> 00:13:35.399 as we are cleansed 00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:37.700 if we believe in Jesus. 00:13:42.340 --> 00:13:43.540 Though your sins 00:13:43.540 --> 00:13:44.680 are like scarlet, 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:46.620 they shall be as white as snow 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:48.139 is the promise 00:13:48.139 --> 00:13:50.160 in Isaiah 1 and verse 18. 00:13:50.159 --> 00:13:52.459 As the song says, 00:13:52.919 --> 00:13:54.399 what can wash away my sin? 00:13:55.179 --> 00:13:55.659 Nothing 00:13:55.659 --> 00:13:57.259 but the blood 00:13:57.259 --> 00:13:58.039 of Jesus. 00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:02.240 Judas saw the signs 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:03.319 and miracles 00:14:03.319 --> 00:14:04.240 at close hand. 00:14:05.579 --> 00:14:06.179 He was one 00:14:06.179 --> 00:14:06.899 of the disciples. 00:14:08.079 --> 00:14:08.879 The other disciples 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:09.600 saw Judas 00:14:09.600 --> 00:14:10.360 as one of them. 00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:11.659 When Jesus told them 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:13.839 that one would betray him, 00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:15.120 they had no idea 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:16.120 who that was going to be. 00:14:16.120 --> 00:14:20.620 Judas was not clean. 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:22.560 He did not believe. 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.120 He loved money 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:25.960 more than Jesus. 00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:28.700 He worshipped money, 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:29.980 not the Lord, 00:14:30.519 --> 00:14:31.100 and was soon 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:32.259 to betray Jesus 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:34.519 for 30 pieces of silver. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:36.799 Once Jesus 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:37.240 had washed 00:14:37.240 --> 00:14:38.279 the disciples' feet, 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.120 he put on 00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:39.980 his outer garment 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:41.419 and then went on 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:41.940 to explain 00:14:41.940 --> 00:14:42.639 the significance 00:14:42.639 --> 00:14:43.580 of the foot washing. 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:46.000 He reaffirms 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:46.639 that he is their 00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:47.420 teacher and Lord 00:14:47.420 --> 00:14:48.180 and tells them 00:14:48.180 --> 00:14:49.980 that as he has done 00:14:49.980 --> 00:14:50.520 to them, 00:14:50.900 --> 00:14:51.879 so they should do 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.960 to one another. 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:54.139 That is, 00:14:54.560 --> 00:14:56.200 serve one another 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:56.940 in humility. 00:14:59.020 --> 00:15:00.060 I think we probably 00:15:00.060 --> 00:15:01.240 don't quite grasp 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:02.500 how alien an idea 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:04.280 it was to the disciples 00:15:04.280 --> 00:15:06.200 given the times 00:15:06.200 --> 00:15:06.940 they lived in. 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:10.280 Humility was despised 00:15:10.280 --> 00:15:11.800 in the ancient world 00:15:11.799 --> 00:15:12.839 as weakness. 00:15:14.219 --> 00:15:15.519 We know that the disciples 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:16.139 had previously 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:17.240 not understood this 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:18.959 because in Mark's gospel 00:15:18.959 --> 00:15:20.179 in chapter 10 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:22.179 verses 35 to 45, 00:15:22.699 --> 00:15:23.579 James and John 00:15:23.579 --> 00:15:24.099 had got it 00:15:24.099 --> 00:15:24.979 oh so wrong, 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:26.059 requesting 00:15:26.059 --> 00:15:27.419 that one sit 00:15:27.419 --> 00:15:27.939 on Jesus' 00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:28.979 right hand side 00:15:28.979 --> 00:15:29.899 and the other 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:30.659 on his left 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:31.259 in glory. 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:33.979 They didn't realize 00:15:33.979 --> 00:15:34.939 what they were asking. 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:36.979 It says in verses 00:15:36.979 --> 00:15:38.500 42 to 45, 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:40.440 And Jesus called them 00:15:40.440 --> 00:15:41.279 to him and said 00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:41.659 to them, 00:15:42.179 --> 00:15:43.679 You know that those 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:44.500 who are considered 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:45.840 rulers of Gentiles 00:15:45.840 --> 00:15:46.840 lord it over them 00:15:46.840 --> 00:15:48.559 and their great ones 00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:49.720 exercise authority 00:15:49.720 --> 00:15:50.320 over them, 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:51.940 but it shall not be 00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:52.899 so among you, 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:54.559 but whoever would be 00:15:54.559 --> 00:15:55.340 great among you 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:56.220 must be your servant 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:57.379 and whoever would be 00:15:57.379 --> 00:15:58.259 first among you 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:59.639 must be slave of all. 00:16:00.679 --> 00:16:01.799 For even the Son of Man 00:16:01.799 --> 00:16:02.919 came not to be served, 00:16:03.019 --> 00:16:03.700 but to serve 00:16:03.700 --> 00:16:05.279 and to give his life 00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:06.519 as a ransom 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.779 for many. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:09.759 They had not 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:10.759 absorbed the words, 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:12.539 but Jesus, 00:16:12.699 --> 00:16:13.519 washing their feet, 00:16:13.679 --> 00:16:14.799 powerfully brought home 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:16.019 the message of humility 00:16:16.019 --> 00:16:16.879 and servanthood. 00:16:18.659 --> 00:16:19.839 He then went on 00:16:19.839 --> 00:16:21.319 to cement this point 00:16:21.319 --> 00:16:22.019 even further. 00:16:22.939 --> 00:16:23.699 Verse 16, 00:16:23.939 --> 00:16:24.639 Truly, truly, 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:26.259 I say to you, 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.679 a servant is not 00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:28.860 greater than his master, 00:16:29.699 --> 00:16:30.939 nor is a messenger 00:16:30.939 --> 00:16:33.199 greater than the one 00:16:33.199 --> 00:16:34.000 who sent him. 00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:36.879 Don Carson 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:37.980 writes of this verse, 00:16:38.559 --> 00:16:39.559 No emissary 00:16:39.559 --> 00:16:40.419 has the right 00:16:40.419 --> 00:16:41.779 to think he is 00:16:41.779 --> 00:16:43.500 exempt from tasks 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:44.939 cheerfully undertaken 00:16:44.939 --> 00:16:46.259 by the one 00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:47.059 who sent him, 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:49.480 and no slave 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:50.579 has the right 00:16:50.579 --> 00:16:51.740 to judge any menial 00:16:51.740 --> 00:16:52.980 task beneath him 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:54.299 after his master 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:56.220 has already performed it. 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:59.199 Jesus was turning 00:16:59.199 --> 00:17:00.139 their understanding 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:01.019 of his kingdom 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:02.199 upside down. 00:17:03.339 --> 00:17:04.259 They were to lead, 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:05.879 but not lording it 00:17:05.879 --> 00:17:06.779 over the church. 00:17:07.299 --> 00:17:08.180 They were to emulate 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:08.859 their master, 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:09.920 the servant king, 00:17:10.539 --> 00:17:12.279 and serve one another 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:13.079 in humility, 00:17:13.799 --> 00:17:14.839 driven by love. 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:17.819 In doing these things, 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:19.279 they would be blessed. 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:22.000 All through this passage 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:22.619 and the passages 00:17:22.619 --> 00:17:23.259 that follow, 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:24.619 Jesus is preparing 00:17:24.619 --> 00:17:25.480 his disciples 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:26.879 for his departure, 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:28.640 his death, 00:17:29.039 --> 00:17:29.799 and resurrection. 00:17:29.799 --> 00:17:29.899 resurrection. 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:32.639 As we know, 00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:33.319 this was to be 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:34.839 a horrifically difficult 00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:36.059 time of confusion 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:36.579 for them. 00:17:38.359 --> 00:17:39.319 Jesus wanted 00:17:39.319 --> 00:17:40.839 them to remember 00:17:40.839 --> 00:17:41.980 that when Judas 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:43.399 betrays them, 00:17:44.680 --> 00:17:45.419 betrays him, 00:17:45.639 --> 00:17:46.539 when things appear 00:17:46.539 --> 00:17:47.440 to go pear-shaped, 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:49.359 this is all part 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:49.940 of the plan. 00:17:51.079 --> 00:17:52.159 It is important 00:17:52.159 --> 00:17:53.259 that they stick together 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:54.359 and still believe 00:17:54.359 --> 00:17:54.899 that Jesus 00:17:54.899 --> 00:17:55.960 is the Messiah. 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:57.940 of course, 00:17:58.019 --> 00:17:58.700 it is not until 00:17:58.700 --> 00:17:59.460 Pentecost 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:00.900 that they receive 00:18:00.900 --> 00:18:01.700 the Holy Spirit 00:18:01.700 --> 00:18:02.500 and they will fully 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:02.980 understand. 00:18:04.980 --> 00:18:06.460 We finish our passage 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:07.960 on another 00:18:07.960 --> 00:18:09.559 sit-up-and-take-note 00:18:09.559 --> 00:18:10.000 verse, 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:11.779 which is verse 20. 00:18:13.579 --> 00:18:14.460 Truly, truly, 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:16.200 I say to you, 00:18:16.840 --> 00:18:17.680 whoever receives 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.860 the one I send 00:18:18.860 --> 00:18:19.660 receives me, 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:21.019 and whoever 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:22.019 receives me 00:18:22.019 --> 00:18:23.660 receives the one 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:25.080 who sent me. 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:28.220 Not only does 00:18:28.220 --> 00:18:30.080 Jesus want 00:18:30.080 --> 00:18:30.880 his disciples 00:18:30.880 --> 00:18:32.080 to remember 00:18:32.080 --> 00:18:32.640 that he is 00:18:32.640 --> 00:18:33.240 the Messiah 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:35.640 and that all 00:18:35.640 --> 00:18:36.500 that is to happen 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:37.800 is part of God's plan, 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:39.620 he also wants 00:18:39.620 --> 00:18:40.240 them to know 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:41.380 that when he returns 00:18:41.380 --> 00:18:42.200 to the Father, 00:18:43.380 --> 00:18:44.680 they are to continue 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:46.120 his mission 00:18:46.120 --> 00:18:48.320 that others 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:49.500 might believe 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:49.960 in him 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:51.319 and be saved. 00:18:53.599 --> 00:18:54.619 Are you clean? 00:18:57.619 --> 00:18:58.859 Do you believe 00:18:58.859 --> 00:18:59.740 that Jesus 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.740 is the Christ, 00:19:01.299 --> 00:19:02.279 the Son of God? 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:05.779 Or do we worship 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:07.259 something 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:08.279 or someone else 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:09.000 like Judas? 00:19:10.899 --> 00:19:11.960 As I've heard 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:13.039 somewhere else, 00:19:13.559 --> 00:19:15.039 if you were tried 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:15.679 in court 00:19:15.679 --> 00:19:17.359 for being a Christian, 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:18.919 would you be found 00:19:18.919 --> 00:19:19.299 guilty? 00:19:20.639 --> 00:19:21.719 Is there evidence? 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.279 And if you believe, 00:19:25.379 --> 00:19:26.119 does that belief 00:19:26.119 --> 00:19:26.979 bring about 00:19:26.979 --> 00:19:27.659 a gratitude 00:19:27.659 --> 00:19:29.299 of heart 00:19:29.299 --> 00:19:30.259 and love 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:30.939 for a Savior 00:19:30.939 --> 00:19:32.019 who has gone 00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:32.719 way beyond 00:19:32.719 --> 00:19:34.740 washing our feet 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:36.019 to death 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:36.799 on the cross 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:38.299 in ultimate 00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:39.119 humiliation? 00:19:40.819 --> 00:19:41.799 And following 00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:42.500 the example 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.279 of love 00:19:43.279 --> 00:19:43.959 and humility 00:19:43.959 --> 00:19:44.779 of our Savior, 00:19:45.679 --> 00:19:46.339 do we serve 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:46.859 one another? 00:19:47.359 --> 00:19:48.199 and allow 00:19:48.199 --> 00:19:48.599 others 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:49.559 to serve us? 00:19:51.439 --> 00:19:52.379 No task 00:19:52.379 --> 00:19:52.979 too menial. 00:19:54.979 --> 00:19:55.919 I came across 00:19:55.919 --> 00:19:57.079 part of a hymn 00:19:57.079 --> 00:19:58.679 by Brian A. 00:19:58.719 --> 00:19:58.879 Wren 00:19:58.879 --> 00:19:59.579 while I was 00:19:59.579 --> 00:20:01.159 studying for this. 00:20:01.599 --> 00:20:02.179 I love some 00:20:02.179 --> 00:20:02.799 of these words. 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:05.559 Great God, 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:06.519 in Christ 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.099 you call 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:07.679 our name 00:20:07.679 --> 00:20:08.959 and then 00:20:08.959 --> 00:20:09.759 receive us 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:10.819 as your own. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:12.359 Though through, 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:13.699 not through 00:20:13.699 --> 00:20:14.639 some merit, 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:15.979 right, 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:17.000 or claim, 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:18.440 but by your 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.759 gracious love 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.160 alone. 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:22.039 We strain 00:20:22.039 --> 00:20:22.779 to glimpse 00:20:22.779 --> 00:20:24.160 your mercy seat 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:26.079 and find you 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:27.500 kneeling at our feet. 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:29.839 then take the towel 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:31.779 and take the bread 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:33.720 and break the bread 00:20:33.720 --> 00:20:35.000 and humble us 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:36.640 and call us 00:20:36.640 --> 00:20:37.200 friends. 00:20:38.359 --> 00:20:39.319 Suffer and serve 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.259 till all are fed 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:42.220 and show how grandly 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:43.180 love intends 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:44.460 to work 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:45.720 till all creation 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:46.400 sings, 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:47.839 to fill 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:48.960 all worlds, 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:49.960 to crown 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:50.759 all things. 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:50.839 us. 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:53.279 We strain 00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:54.039 to glimpse 00:20:54.039 --> 00:20:56.500 your mercy seat 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:58.559 and find you 00:20:58.559 --> 00:20:59.680 kneeling at our feet. 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.579 I love those words. 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.460 They show a picture 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:05.000 of Jesus, 00:21:05.140 --> 00:21:05.700 our King, 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:07.779 the King of Kings, 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:09.640 a King 00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:11.740 who in great love 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:13.140 humbled himself 00:21:13.140 --> 00:21:14.519 on our behalf, 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.879 our servant King. 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:19.600 let us worship him. 00:21:23.840 --> 00:21:24.620 Let's pray. 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.280 Lord, 00:21:30.340 --> 00:21:30.920 we thank you 00:21:30.920 --> 00:21:31.260 that 00:21:31.260 --> 00:21:34.980 you came to earth, 00:21:36.060 --> 00:21:37.980 that you loved us 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:38.680 so much 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:40.980 that you died 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:41.660 on that cross 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:42.220 for us. 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:45.579 we thank you 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:46.120 for your 00:21:46.120 --> 00:21:48.180 love and humility 00:21:48.180 --> 00:21:50.339 so great. 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:53.400 How can we respond 00:21:53.400 --> 00:21:54.360 in any other way 00:21:54.360 --> 00:21:57.100 than to love you 00:21:57.100 --> 00:21:58.620 and serve you? 00:21:58.620 --> 00:22:00.180 Amen.