WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.799 I turn with me now to the New Testament and to the Gospel of John chapter 13. 00:00:07.799 --> 00:00:10.000 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.240 Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart 00:00:36.240 --> 00:00:42.759 out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them 00:00:42.759 --> 00:00:43.460 to the end. 00:00:44.759 --> 00:00:50.460 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's 00:00:50.460 --> 00:00:56.879 son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands 00:00:56.880 --> 00:01:02.320 and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. 00:01:03.020 --> 00:01:09.159 He laid aside his outer garments and, taking a towel, tied it round his waist. 00:01:09.879 --> 00:01:15.340 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them 00:01:15.340 --> 00:01:18.180 with the towel that was wrapped round him. 00:01:19.560 --> 00:01:24.879 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Lord, do you wash my feet? 00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:32.599 Jesus answered him, what I am doing you do not understand now, but afterwards you will 00:01:32.599 --> 00:01:33.239 understand. 00:01:34.319 --> 00:01:38.219 And Peter said to him, you shall never wash my feet. 00:01:39.539 --> 00:01:45.000 Jesus answered him, if I do not wash you, you have no share with me. 00:01:45.899 --> 00:01:52.159 Simon Peter said to him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 00:01:52.159 --> 00:02:00.939 Jesus said to him, the one who has bathed does not need to wash except for his feet, but is 00:02:00.939 --> 00:02:01.959 completely clean. 00:02:02.840 --> 00:02:08.759 And you are clean, but not every one of you, for he knew who was to betray him. 00:02:09.379 --> 00:02:12.259 That was why he said, not all of you are clean. 00:02:12.259 --> 00:02:19.179 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said 00:02:19.179 --> 00:02:22.879 to them, do you understand what I have done to you? 00:02:23.759 --> 00:02:28.500 You call me teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 00:02:29.699 --> 00:02:35.479 If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's 00:02:35.479 --> 00:02:35.739 feet. 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:42.260 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 00:02:43.379 --> 00:02:49.420 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger 00:02:49.420 --> 00:02:51.219 greater than the one who sent him. 00:02:52.040 --> 00:02:55.879 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 00:02:56.840 --> 00:02:58.920 I am not speaking of all of you. 00:02:58.919 --> 00:03:03.519 I know whom I have chosen, but the scripture will be fulfilled. 00:03:04.699 --> 00:03:08.479 He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me. 00:03:09.139 --> 00:03:15.739 I am telling you this now before it takes place, that when it does take place, you may believe 00:03:15.739 --> 00:03:16.560 that I am he. 00:03:17.859 --> 00:03:25.739 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives 00:03:25.739 --> 00:03:28.639 me receives the one who sent me. 00:03:28.919 --> 00:03:33.579 And we can pick up a reading again at verse 31. 00:03:34.799 --> 00:03:47.459 That section from 31 to 30 just describes Judas Iscariot just leaving the upper room and going 00:03:47.459 --> 00:03:48.879 out to betray Jesus. 00:03:48.879 --> 00:03:53.259 So when he had gone out, that's Judas Iscariot. 00:03:53.259 --> 00:03:55.859 When Judas Iscariot had gone out, Jesus said, 00:03:56.759 --> 00:04:01.199 Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 00:04:01.879 --> 00:04:09.680 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:14.640 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. 00:04:15.640 --> 00:04:22.639 You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, where I am going, 00:04:23.040 --> 00:04:24.060 you cannot come. 00:04:25.340 --> 00:04:29.100 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. 00:04:29.100 --> 00:04:34.320 Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 00:04:35.220 --> 00:04:41.660 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. 00:04:42.460 --> 00:04:42.939 Amen. 00:04:43.379 --> 00:04:45.480 May God bless you as that reading of his word. 00:04:46.340 --> 00:04:47.980 And to his name be the praise. 00:04:47.980 --> 00:04:58.720 We sing again, this time in Sing Psalms again, in Psalm 119, 119 at verse 9. 00:04:59.600 --> 00:05:03.120 You'll find that on page 157 of the Blue Psalm books. 00:05:04.360 --> 00:05:05.840 Page 157. 00:05:08.780 --> 00:05:11.759 We sing verses 9 to 16, the whole of this section. 00:05:14.400 --> 00:05:17.140 How can the young keep their life pure? 00:05:17.980 --> 00:05:22.660 By doing what your word demands, I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:05:23.420 --> 00:05:25.980 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:05:26.379 --> 00:05:28.759 Verses 9 to 16, to God's praise. 00:05:28.759 --> 00:05:29.759 Amen. 00:05:32.660 --> 00:05:40.480 O God, the young keep their life pure, 00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:56.960 By doing what your word demands, I seek you with my heart and soul. 00:05:56.959 --> 00:06:05.959 Let me not stray from your commands. 00:06:05.959 --> 00:06:14.740 Pure word I've made and in my heart, 00:06:14.740 --> 00:06:22.959 To keep me from offending you. 00:06:22.959 --> 00:06:31.359 Praise be to you, O Lord my God, 00:06:31.359 --> 00:06:39.959 Teach me your status, firm and true. 00:06:39.959 --> 00:06:48.959 It love proceeding from your mind. 00:06:48.959 --> 00:06:56.959 I'm glad you with my lips have told. 00:06:56.959 --> 00:07:05.959 I love to follow you, O Lord my God, 00:07:05.959 --> 00:07:13.959 As others love to count their goal. 00:07:13.959 --> 00:07:22.959 I meditated upon your face, 00:07:22.959 --> 00:07:30.959 And all your precepts I regret. 00:07:30.959 --> 00:07:39.959 I did delight in your decease. 00:07:39.959 --> 00:07:47.959 Your word I never will delay. 00:07:47.959 --> 00:07:56.959 Turn back with me then please to the passage read, 00:07:56.959 --> 00:07:57.959 John chapter 13. 00:07:57.959 --> 00:08:04.959 And I'd just like to read from verse 5 down to verse 10. 00:08:04.959 --> 00:08:09.959 John 13, John 13, verse 5. 00:08:09.959 --> 00:08:11.959 Then he poured water into a basin, 00:08:11.959 --> 00:08:14.959 And began to wash the disciples' feet, 00:08:14.959 --> 00:08:17.959 And to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped round him. 00:08:17.959 --> 00:08:20.959 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, 00:08:20.959 --> 00:08:23.959 Lord, do you wash my feet? 00:08:23.959 --> 00:08:24.959 Jesus answered him, 00:08:24.959 --> 00:08:27.959 What I am doing you do not understand now, 00:08:27.959 --> 00:08:30.959 But afterwards you will understand. 00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:32.960 Peter said to him, 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:34.960 You shall never wash my feet. 00:08:34.960 --> 00:08:36.960 Jesus answered him, 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:38.960 If I do not wash you, 00:08:38.960 --> 00:08:41.960 You have no share with me. 00:08:43.960 --> 00:08:44.960 I will leave it at that. 00:08:44.960 --> 00:08:47.960 I'd like to focus on these words particularly. 00:08:47.960 --> 00:08:50.960 If I do not wash you, 00:08:50.960 --> 00:08:54.960 You have no share with me. 00:08:54.960 --> 00:09:04.960 This is a very solemn section of the history of Jesus. 00:09:04.960 --> 00:09:07.960 And the events that we're looking at here, 00:09:07.960 --> 00:09:11.960 They take place on the final part of his journey on this earth. 00:09:11.960 --> 00:09:16.960 Scripture tells us that his hour has now come. 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:22.960 His time to die on the cross for the sins of his people is now at hand. 00:09:22.960 --> 00:09:25.960 And up until this point, 00:09:25.960 --> 00:09:31.960 Jesus has been primarily concerned with outsiders, if you like. 00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:38.960 Others who have come to him for healing, for teaching, for salvation. 00:09:38.960 --> 00:09:45.960 But now, as he nears his time to go towards the cross, 00:09:45.960 --> 00:10:00.960 Jesus turns his attention wholly to his disciples and shows them the extent of his love and compassion as he assembles all of them around him for the last time. 00:10:00.960 --> 00:10:06.960 This last night then was an eventful night. 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:12.960 This period just before Jesus went forward to the cross, to his interrogation. 00:10:12.960 --> 00:10:17.960 He prayed his great high priestly prayer. 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:21.960 He taught his disciples many valuable truths. 00:10:21.960 --> 00:10:27.960 He observed the Passover meal with his disciples. 00:10:27.960 --> 00:10:32.960 That was him instituting the Lord's Supper, as we know it. 00:10:32.960 --> 00:10:40.960 And he was betrayed into the hands of his enemies by one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot. 00:10:40.960 --> 00:10:54.960 And the other three Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, they carry a more detailed account of the feast itself that was happening in the upper room. 00:10:54.960 --> 00:11:09.960 But John omits that detail and instead, John gives us insight into the dialogue and remarkable occurrences that are now beginning to happen around the table. 00:11:09.960 --> 00:11:27.960 At that time, and in that culture, food washing someone else's feet was regarded as one of the most humble and demeaning tasks anyone could perform. 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:33.960 It was reserved for household slaves. 00:11:33.960 --> 00:11:43.960 So what I'd like to look at this evening is to look at this act of washing and what happened in the upper room. 00:11:43.960 --> 00:11:49.960 And particularly, secondly, the significance of the washing. 00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:56.960 So as the meal gets underway here in the upper room, 00:11:56.960 --> 00:12:05.960 this overpowering and astonishing scene starts to unfold before us. 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:10.960 And it was something that the disciples had not experienced before. 00:12:10.960 --> 00:12:17.960 And it's something that the disciples would not have expected to happen. 00:12:17.960 --> 00:12:26.960 The son of God, perfect and sinless, who has all power and authority, 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:30.960 he gets up from the table, he takes off his overgarments, 00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:35.960 he wraps a towel around his waist, he pours a basin of water, 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:42.960 he goes down on his knees and starts washing his disciples' feet. 00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:49.960 And as you begin to realize what's happening here, 00:12:49.960 --> 00:12:51.960 you almost want to cry out, 00:12:51.960 --> 00:12:52.960 stop! 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:59.960 Because this isn't the work of the Lord of glory. 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:01.960 Surely it isn't. 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:04.960 This is what we should be doing for you. 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:14.960 And this is very similar to what John the Baptist said to Jesus as Jesus came to be baptized by him. 00:13:14.960 --> 00:13:16.960 And we're told in Matthew chapter 3, 00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:22.960 then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized. 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:26.960 John would have prevented him saying, 00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:29.960 I need to be baptized by you. 00:13:29.960 --> 00:13:31.960 And do you come to me? 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:36.960 So it's kind of very similar what we have here, 00:13:36.960 --> 00:13:40.960 and particularly the way it works out with Peter, the disciple. 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:50.960 Yet, how wrong we would be in saying or even thinking that. 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:57.960 Because Jesus in his word is continually teaching us and showing us by example, 00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:01.960 what we have to do, what is necessary. 00:14:03.960 --> 00:14:05.960 As Jesus starts to wash their feet, 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:08.960 we can ask the question, 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:12.960 well, how did the disciples feel at this point? 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:18.960 And scripture really tells a reaction. 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:20.960 They never said a word. 00:14:20.960 --> 00:14:22.960 Not a word is recorded for us. 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:24.960 They never said a word. 00:14:25.960 --> 00:14:30.960 They're most likely sitting there in silent astonishment 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:33.960 at Jesus doing this for them. 00:14:33.960 --> 00:14:38.960 Not a word was said until, of course, as we read, 00:14:39.960 --> 00:14:41.960 Jesus came to Peter. 00:14:43.960 --> 00:14:44.960 And here, as we might expect, 00:14:45.960 --> 00:14:50.960 Peter, Peter's character comes to the fore again. 00:14:51.960 --> 00:14:54.960 And in one respect, he speaks for all of us. 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:59.960 Can we not visualize him sitting there at the table, 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:02.960 and as Jesus comes right in front of him, 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:06.960 can we not visualize him quickly just pulling his feet away 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:10.960 and drawing them back as quickly as possible 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:12.960 and protesting, 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:14.960 are you going to wash my feet? 00:15:15.960 --> 00:15:20.960 Even though Peter didn't have a full understanding 00:15:20.960 --> 00:15:24.960 of the work of Jesus, he knew one thing. 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:27.960 This was the Christ. 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:29.960 Peter knew that. 00:15:29.960 --> 00:15:31.960 It was crystal clear in his mind. 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:34.960 He had testified to that previously 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:37.960 when Jesus asked him, 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:39.960 Jesus asked the disciples, 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:41.960 who do you say that I am? 00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:44.960 And it was Peter who spoke up and said, 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:47.960 you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 00:15:47.960 --> 00:15:50.960 So Peter knew that this was a Christ. 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:52.960 Peter knew he was holy. 00:15:53.960 --> 00:15:57.960 And Peter knew that he himself was full of sin. 00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:01.960 And he concluded this shouldn't be happening. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:04.960 And Jesus explained to Peter 00:16:05.960 --> 00:16:08.960 that he didn't realize the spiritual significance 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:12.960 and the full extent of what he was actually doing 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:14.960 for them right there. 00:16:14.960 --> 00:16:16.960 And we will consider this very shortly. 00:16:18.960 --> 00:16:20.960 We might have thought 00:16:21.960 --> 00:16:24.960 that this in itself would have been enough for Peter, 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:27.960 for Jesus to speak that word, but no. 00:16:28.960 --> 00:16:31.960 And I suppose we shouldn't be surprised, 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:33.960 Peter being Peter, 00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:36.960 for what we're told about him in the Gospels. 00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:41.960 Peter replied even more strongly, 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:44.960 you're not doing that to me. 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:47.960 I can't allow this to happen. 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:49.960 You'll never wash my feet. 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:53.960 And it's always as if Peter is taking charge 00:16:54.960 --> 00:16:55.960 or wants to take charge 00:16:56.960 --> 00:16:57.960 of this whole situation 00:16:58.960 --> 00:16:59.960 that has unfolded before him. 00:17:01.960 --> 00:17:03.960 And however commendable Peter's reaction was, 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:04.960 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.960 it was wrong. 00:17:05.960 --> 00:17:10.960 And Peter appears to have forgotten Jesus' words 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.960 and teaching. 00:17:13.960 --> 00:17:15.960 And we have in Mark chapter 10 and verse 45, 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:18.960 where Jesus spoke in front of the disciples, 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:20.960 I didn't come to be ministered to, 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:22.960 but to serve. 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:27.960 So now we have Jesus' reply to Peter. 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:31.960 And it's a text we're going to focus on this evening. 00:17:32.960 --> 00:17:33.960 If I don't wash you, 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:37.960 then you have no share with me. 00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:41.960 Or, as an older version puts it, 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:44.960 or you have no part of me. 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:45.960 It means the same thing. 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.960 So clearly, 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:50.960 when Jesus spoke that to Peter, 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:54.960 this had a direct influence on Peter's thinking 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:56.960 and understanding. 00:17:57.960 --> 00:17:58.960 And Peter's responded once again, 00:17:59.960 --> 00:17:59.960 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:01.960 well, Lord, not my feet only, 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:04.960 but my hands and my head as well. 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:05.960 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:07.960 Just wash all of me. 00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:09.960 And we might think, 00:18:09.960 --> 00:18:11.960 well, what an excellent answer that was. 00:18:12.960 --> 00:18:13.960 But again, 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.960 it wasn't correct. 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:18.960 And we're told then in verse 13 00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:20.960 that Jesus then sat down 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:23.960 and he begins to explain what he has done. 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:26.960 You call me teacher and Lord. 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:28.960 You're right. 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:30.960 For so I am. 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:34.960 And here then is where we also begin to understand 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:38.960 the mystery of what's behind this washing. 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:43.960 With the benefit of hindsight of the cross, 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:49.960 and especially our understanding from the word as we have it, 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:53.960 we can now appreciate what Jesus was doing. 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:58.960 And this was symbolic of his sacrifice at Calvary. 00:18:58.960 --> 00:19:01.960 I'm going to quote here, 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:04.960 some of which is partly from Alistair Begg. 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:06.960 And of course, as follows, 00:19:07.960 --> 00:19:10.960 the glory that God has given to Jesus 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:13.960 is a glory that is seen supremely 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.960 in the path of obedience. 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:20.960 It is seen supremely in the expression of lowly service. 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:25.960 It is seen in a savior who washes his disciples' feet. 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:30.960 It is seen in a king who comes riding on a donkey. 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:34.960 It is seen in the arrival of divinity 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:38.960 in such an expression of apparent poverty, 00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:41.960 simplicity and helplessness. 00:19:41.960 --> 00:19:48.960 And the father is glorified in a love that culminates in the cross. 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:52.960 That kind of summarizes everything 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:56.960 to do with this passage that we have here. 00:19:57.960 --> 00:20:02.960 So just as Jesus laid aside his garments 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:08.960 and assumed the role of house servant to wash his disciples' feet. 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:11.960 So he also served humanity 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:15.960 and particularly all of his own beloved children 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:21.960 whom he loves all the way to dine on the cross for them. 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:25.960 And this is the love he speaks about in verse one. 00:20:25.960 --> 00:20:31.960 Before the feast of the Passover when Jesus knew that his hour had come 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:34.960 to depart out of this world to the Father, 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:37.960 having loved his own who were in the world, 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:40.960 he loved them to the end. 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.960 So what we understand from this passage, 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:50.960 looking at verse 10, there's a bathing 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:53.960 and there's a bathing and there's a food washing mentioned. 00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:57.960 And the bathing represents salvation 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:02.960 and the food washing represents restoration. 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:09.960 Jesus told Peter that he had already washed, 00:21:10.960 --> 00:21:13.960 receiving the bathing of salvation. 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:15.960 He was clean. 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:17.960 And other than Judas Iscariot, 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:20.960 so were the rest of the disciples. 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:23.960 The bathing of salvation 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:27.960 isn't something a believer 00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:30.960 undertakes every day at all. 00:21:31.960 --> 00:21:32.960 It's done once. 00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:36.960 And that's when Jesus becomes your personal savior. 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:39.960 So what does this mean 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:42.960 in your personal experience? 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:45.960 Well, first of all, 00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:46.960 it is exactly that. 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:48.960 It is personal. 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:52.960 It is personal between you and Jesus. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:57.960 The Bible tells us that we need to believe. 00:21:58.960 --> 00:21:59.960 And yes, we do. 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:02.960 But it's not a casual believing. 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:07.960 It's not a casual believing in God's word. 00:22:08.960 --> 00:22:09.960 It's not an acknowledgement 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:12.960 or just an acknowledgement 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.960 that you believe the Bible is true. 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:16.960 It is much more than that. 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:19.960 It's about coming to that place 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:25.960 where you genuinely acknowledge your need of Jesus. 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:28.960 It's about finally admitting 00:22:29.960 --> 00:22:33.960 that you cannot make yourself better before God. 00:22:33.960 --> 00:22:36.960 It's about finally acknowledging 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:43.960 that you cannot work or earn your way into God's favor 00:22:44.960 --> 00:22:46.960 in any way. 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:49.960 And it's about reaching that place 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:53.960 where you realize that you are truly a sinner 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:56.960 and you desperately need God's forgiveness. 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:59.960 And it's about falling on your knees 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:02.960 in true humility 00:23:03.960 --> 00:23:08.960 and pleading with God to take hold of your life. 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:11.960 Because if he doesn't, 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:17.960 then you know that you will be going to hell. 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.960 You will be going to hell. 00:23:18.960 --> 00:23:23.960 It's about truly acknowledging 00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:28.960 that Jesus is your only real hope. 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:30.960 And that you believe 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:33.960 Jesus' sacrifice on the cross 00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:38.960 is all that you have left to hold on to. 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:44.960 As it is in the words of the hymn writer, 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:49.960 Nothing in my hands I bring, 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:53.960 simply to your cross I cling. 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:56.960 And that is the pleading 00:23:57.960 --> 00:24:00.960 that you need to have genuinely before the Lord. 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.960 That's what's required. 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:05.960 And if you genuinely do that 00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:06.960 and do it sincerely, 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:09.960 then God's word is crystal clear. 00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:12.960 He will come into your life 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.960 and he will save you. 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:18.960 And then from that time onwards, 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:20.960 you are clean. 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:23.960 You are pure in Christ. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.960 Your sins are eternally forgiven 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:30.960 because you are now identified with Christ. 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:34.960 And in Christ, 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:37.960 cleansed in the blood of the Lamb. 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:40.960 And as we're told in Romans chapter 8, 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:43.960 there is now therefore no condemnation 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:47.960 for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:51.960 This is a washing of regeneration. 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:55.960 This is what's referred to as being born again. 00:24:55.960 --> 00:25:01.960 This bathing refers to a spiritual cleansing 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:04.960 and a spiritual renewing. 00:25:05.960 --> 00:25:06.960 And perhaps it's summarized best 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:10.960 in 2 Corinthians chapter 5. 00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:14.960 This bathing is for union with Christ and in Christ. 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:18.960 And what we're told there in 2 Corinthians 5, 17, 00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:19.960 therefore, 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:21.960 if anyone is in Christ, 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:24.960 he is a new creation. 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.960 That's what happens. 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.960 Being born again, 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:30.960 he is a new creation. 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.960 The old things have passed away 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:34.960 and behold, 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:37.960 all things have become new 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:40.960 in that person's life, 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:42.960 in that person's experience. 00:25:43.960 --> 00:25:44.960 And this union, 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:46.960 this bond is so strong 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:49.960 that nothing can ever break it. 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.960 Nothing can ever break it. 00:25:51.960 --> 00:25:53.960 Nothing can ever break it. 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:57.960 The Christian's permanent relationship with Christ 00:25:58.960 --> 00:26:01.960 then is pictured in the bathing 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:03.960 of which he speaks about here. 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:07.960 So then the question is, 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:09.960 well, 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:11.960 what's pictured in the food washing 00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:15.960 that Jesus carried out with his disciples? 00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:17.960 Well, 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.960 it is that 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:21.960 believers still need to be delivered 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:25.960 from the ongoing power of sin in their lives. 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:28.960 Let me try to explain. 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:34.960 When we take the bathing as an example, 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:39.960 if we take a bath at our home 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:41.960 or if we take a shower, 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:43.960 then we are washing ourselves, 00:26:43.960 --> 00:26:45.960 albeit externally and physically, 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:49.960 and we are clean, basically from head to toe, 00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:51.960 when we are finished washing. 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:56.960 But the moment we step out of that bath, 00:26:57.960 --> 00:27:00.960 or the moment we step out of that shower, 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:03.960 and we put our feet on the ground, 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.960 they become soiled. 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:09.960 so our feet are no longer clean. 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:13.960 And this is the illustration of the picture 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:16.960 that has been given to us here. 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:22.960 And just because Christians are forgiven for their sins 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:25.960 doesn't mean that they've stopped sinning 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:28.960 or that they become immune to sin. 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:31.960 Every single day, 00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:36.960 we are acutely aware that we have to go to the Lord for forgiveness 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.960 for this food washing, 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:41.960 because our feet become immediately soiled, 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.960 then they need to be washed, 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:46.960 continually made clean. 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:50.960 Because we are surrounded by sin in this world. 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:53.960 And it comes out through our thoughts, 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:55.960 through our words, 00:27:55.960 --> 00:27:56.960 through our deeds. 00:27:57.960 --> 00:27:58.960 Sin is continually around us. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:03.960 So we might ask the question then, 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:06.960 how does Jesus wash the believers' feet? 00:28:07.960 --> 00:28:09.960 How do we experience that as Christians? 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:12.960 How do the Lord's people experience that in their lives? 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:15.960 Well, they go to His word, 00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:17.960 first and foremost. 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:20.960 They go to His word. 00:28:21.960 --> 00:28:22.960 They love out His word. 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:26.960 They pray for His word to be applied to them 00:28:27.960 --> 00:28:28.960 in their daily lives. 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:32.960 They pray and they ask daily for forgiveness 00:28:33.960 --> 00:28:34.960 for their sins. 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:37.960 And they listen out for God talking to them as well. 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:40.960 It's a two-way process. 00:28:40.960 --> 00:28:43.960 But it's a process particularly 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:45.960 of seeking forgiveness, 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:49.960 going to God for forgiveness for our sins daily 00:28:50.960 --> 00:28:52.960 or umpteen times daily 00:28:53.960 --> 00:28:53.960 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:55.960 confessing our sins 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:57.960 and seeking that forgiveness from the Lord. 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:01.960 And in doing so, 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:05.960 we seek to let Him direct our path daily 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:08.960 and keep us in close fellowship with Him. 00:29:08.960 --> 00:29:10.960 And just as 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:13.960 as mentioned towards the end of 00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:15.960 our reading in John 13, 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:18.960 John in his first epistle 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:20.960 takes up this again. 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:23.960 But he says in 1 John 1, 00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:25.960 verse 7, 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:27.960 But if we walk in the light, 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:28.960 as He is in the light, 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:30.960 we have fellowship with one another. 00:29:31.960 --> 00:29:33.960 And the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:36.960 cleanses us from all sin. 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:43.960 Through the word is the way in which we get the bathing. 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:48.960 And it is also through the word that we get the food washing. 00:29:49.960 --> 00:29:52.960 The psalmist said, just as we sang there in Psalm 119, 00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:58.960 how can, how can a young man purify his way? 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:02.960 And it's by living according to your word. 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:05.960 Jesus said, 00:30:05.960 --> 00:30:06.960 Jesus said, 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:09.960 those who believed in Him, 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:12.960 they would be sanctified by God's word. 00:30:13.960 --> 00:30:17.960 Our bathing and our food washing 00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:21.960 are both accomplished through the word of God. 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:26.960 Jesus didn't look on His disciples as merely men of flesh. 00:30:27.960 --> 00:30:30.960 He looked on them as He does with all of His people, 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:34.960 as those whom the Father has given Him. 00:30:35.960 --> 00:30:39.960 A great part of the joy that was set before Him, 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:42.960 they are those who believe, 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:45.960 who truly believe in Him 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:48.960 and have a saving relationship with Him. 00:30:48.960 --> 00:30:54.960 So it leads us to conclude then that 00:30:55.960 --> 00:30:57.960 if you're here tonight 00:30:58.960 --> 00:31:02.960 and you're not allowing Jesus into your life, 00:31:03.960 --> 00:31:06.960 and you're not experiencing this bathing 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.960 or this food washing, 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:11.960 then you're saying to Him 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:14.960 that you can handle your own life yourself 00:31:14.960 --> 00:31:18.960 and you don't need Him to look after you each day. 00:31:19.960 --> 00:31:21.960 You may not think that, 00:31:22.960 --> 00:31:23.960 but you have a barrier up 00:31:24.960 --> 00:31:27.960 if you're not willing to search after Jesus 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:29.960 and to accept Him into your life. 00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:34.960 Jesus had one primary purpose 00:31:35.960 --> 00:31:37.960 when He came to this world 00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:40.960 and that was to die for sinners. 00:31:40.960 --> 00:31:43.960 He accomplished this purpose 00:31:44.960 --> 00:31:46.960 on behalf of every person, 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:49.960 everyone who would believe in Him. 00:31:50.960 --> 00:31:51.960 He did this on the cross 00:31:52.960 --> 00:31:53.960 because of His great love 00:31:54.960 --> 00:31:57.960 for each and every one of His children. 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:59.960 He did this on the cross 00:32:00.960 --> 00:32:03.960 but He also walked on this earth for 33 years 00:32:04.960 --> 00:32:08.960 and He ministered for three of these years. 00:32:09.960 --> 00:32:11.960 And that ministry was perfect. 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:16.960 It was perfect in His obedience, 00:32:17.960 --> 00:32:21.960 it was perfect in His ministry and healings, 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:24.960 and it was perfect in His humility. 00:32:24.960 --> 00:32:28.960 We're not being instructed 00:32:29.960 --> 00:32:32.960 to go outside of here 00:32:33.960 --> 00:32:36.960 and to literally start washing each other's feet. 00:32:37.960 --> 00:32:39.960 But what we are being asked to do 00:32:40.960 --> 00:32:43.960 is to look out for one another 00:32:44.960 --> 00:32:46.960 through this love of God, 00:32:46.960 --> 00:32:47.960 this bond that there is 00:32:48.960 --> 00:32:49.960 through all of God's people. 00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:51.960 we've been instructed to 00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:53.960 to look out for each other 00:32:54.960 --> 00:32:56.960 and to watch out for each other 00:32:57.960 --> 00:32:58.960 and to serve one another, 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:00.960 to pray for each other 00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:03.960 and to primarily 00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:06.960 have a love for one another in Christ. 00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:10.960 Just as we have it in verse 34 here 00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:13.960 and Jesus gives the disciples and us 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:15.960 this new commandment, 00:33:16.960 --> 00:33:17.960 a new commandment I give to you, 00:33:17.960 --> 00:33:18.960 that you love one another 00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:19.960 that you love one another 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:20.960 just as I have loved you. 00:33:20.960 --> 00:33:24.960 You also are to love one another 00:33:24.960 --> 00:33:26.960 and by this all people will know 00:33:27.960 --> 00:33:28.960 that you are my disciples 00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:32.960 if you have love one for another. 00:33:32.960 --> 00:33:33.960 God's children are justified 00:33:33.960 --> 00:33:43.960 and adopted into his family by the bathing 00:33:44.960 --> 00:33:48.960 before the ongoing work of food washing 00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:50.960 can begin in them. 00:33:50.960 --> 00:33:53.960 and that involves 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:55.960 daily confession 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.960 and forgiveness. 00:33:58.960 --> 00:34:00.960 If there is anyone here tonight 00:34:01.960 --> 00:34:02.960 who is not in Christ 00:34:03.960 --> 00:34:05.960 then I plead with you to go to him 00:34:06.960 --> 00:34:08.960 and to do as we have gone through here 00:34:09.960 --> 00:34:10.960 to go to him 00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:12.960 and to realise 00:34:12.960 --> 00:34:14.960 that there is nothing else in your life 00:34:14.960 --> 00:34:15.960 that is so important 00:34:15.960 --> 00:34:16.960 as to have Jesus. 00:34:17.960 --> 00:34:19.960 I pray that 00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.960 that you will be given to see 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:23.960 that you can do no more for yourself 00:34:24.960 --> 00:34:25.960 and that every single thing 00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:27.960 depends on Jesus 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:28.960 00:34:29.960 --> 00:34:31.960 Because we have a warning here 00:34:32.960 --> 00:34:33.960 a warning from Jesus 00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:35.960 that is given in love. 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:39.960 Jesus says as it is with our text 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:41.960 If I don't wash you 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:45.960 then you have no part with me. 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:46.960 00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:53.960 Father we just thank you for 00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:56.960 the way of salvation 00:34:57.960 --> 00:34:59.960 that you have opened up for 00:35:00.960 --> 00:35:02.960 sinners such as we are. 00:35:02.960 --> 00:35:03.960 We thank you Father 00:35:05.960 --> 00:35:07.960 that for each one of your people 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:09.960 then you have lifted them 00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:11.960 out of that mighty clay 00:35:12.960 --> 00:35:14.960 and that you have placed them 00:35:15.960 --> 00:35:15.960 00:35:16.960 --> 00:35:17.960 and their foundation 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:20.960 in life now is Jesus 00:35:21.960 --> 00:35:21.960 00:35:22.960 --> 00:35:23.960 for he is the living word 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:26.960 we just bless you and thank you 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:28.960 for your mercy 00:35:29.960 --> 00:35:29.960 00:35:29.960 --> 00:35:30.960 and for your love 00:35:31.960 --> 00:35:32.960 and for this great offer 00:35:32.960 --> 00:35:32.960 00:35:33.960 --> 00:35:35.960 and may it be Lord 00:35:36.960 --> 00:35:38.960 that if there are any here this evening 00:35:39.960 --> 00:35:40.960 that they would go to you 00:35:41.960 --> 00:35:43.960 and that they would plead for this bathing 00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:45.960 in sincerity 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:47.960 that they might receive it 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:48.960 00:35:49.960 --> 00:35:49.960 00:35:49.960 --> 00:35:50.960 Amen. 00:35:55.960 --> 00:35:56.960 Well let's close our service now 00:35:57.960 --> 00:35:58.960 and we can sing in 00:35:59.960 --> 00:36:00.960 Psalm 119 00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:03.960 the section 105 00:36:04.960 --> 00:36:06.960 down to 112 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:07.960 page 163 00:36:07.960 --> 00:36:07.960 00:36:07.960 --> 00:36:08.960 it's in sing psalms 00:36:08.960 --> 00:36:09.960 I beg your pardon 00:36:10.960 --> 00:36:11.960 page 163 00:36:12.960 --> 00:36:15.960 in the blue psalm books 00:36:16.960 --> 00:36:17.960 Psalm 119 00:36:18.960 --> 00:36:19.960 at verse 105 00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:21.960 page 163 00:36:21.960 --> 00:36:24.960 your words 00:36:24.960 --> 00:36:27.960 your words a lamp that shines before my feet 00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:32.960 it is a light that guides me on my way 00:36:33.960 --> 00:36:35.960 the oath that I have taken I have confirmed 00:36:36.960 --> 00:36:38.960 that all your righteous laws I will obey 00:36:39.960 --> 00:36:41.960 we'll sing these verses 105 to 112 00:36:42.960 --> 00:36:44.960 to God's praise 00:36:44.960 --> 00:36:57.960 your words a lamp that shines before my feet 00:36:58.960 --> 00:37:05.960 it is a light that guides me on my way 00:37:06.960 --> 00:37:09.960 the oath that I have taken my way 00:37:09.960 --> 00:37:27.240 The oath that I have taken I conferred, that all your righteous laws I will obey. 00:37:27.239 --> 00:37:48.239 O Lord, you know that I have suffered much, please serve my life according to your word. 00:37:48.239 --> 00:38:07.159 I'll send the living praises of my heart, instruct me in your righteous laws, O Lord. 00:38:07.159 --> 00:38:26.460 I will not dismay, I do holy law, though constantly my life is in my hands. 00:38:26.460 --> 00:38:45.460 Although the wicked set us here for me, I am the mother of all your own hands. 00:38:45.460 --> 00:39:04.460 Your statutes are my heritage always, and every day they make my heart rejoice. 00:39:04.460 --> 00:39:23.539 My heart is set on keeping your decrees, and to the very end they are my choice. 00:39:24.280 --> 00:39:27.220 After the benediction, I'll go to the door to my right here. 00:39:27.219 --> 00:39:36.480 Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, 00:39:37.179 --> 00:39:41.839 rest upon and abide with each one of you, now and always. Amen. 00:39:57.219 --> 00:39:58.219 Amen.