In this sermon Graham is again preaching from John’s gospel. This is part 2 of a series on chapters 13 to 17. This week the passage is chapter 13, verses 2 to 17.

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John 13:2-17 [ 41:37 ] Play in Popup | Download

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Sermon John 13:2-17

We all know what this is about – we should love, have the same attitude as Jesus, that of a servant. Done, sermon ended, we can all go home!

Or is there more? This section requires of the reader both heart and mind, for it is not a sentimental episode. There is doctrine and theology in here too.

Structure of 13:2-17

1) Preface or Introduction

2) The act and the associated conversation

3) Explanation

 

 

1) The Preface or Introduction

I said last week that v1 was the intro. V1 is the intro to the whole series of chapters 13-17. This is the intro to this section, the “foot washing”.

Question: When did all this happen? What difference does this make?

When a) “And supper being ended…” Some translations say, “During”. What does this mean? See v26 which shows the meal was still going on. Perhaps it is that the preparation and setting out which is completed. Certainly then, not upon arrival but when fellowship established and flowing.

When b) “The devil having put into the heart of Judas…” See Lk 22:3-6. The unstoppable train was continuing headlong to the awful conclusion.

When c) “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that…”

“Knowing”, see v1 Not in spite of knowing but because he knew.

Knowing all this he begins the strange act of foot washing.

Knowing the power he has, the revelation he now carries (re his past, his future, his sacrifice). “He that is greatest among you let him be as he that serves.”

 

2) The Act

John records the detail he wants to:

a) To draw his readers/listeners into the event that they might share some of the impressions he experienced.

b) To show Jesus. See Luke 22:24 (“A dispute arose…”), Jesus had dealt with the past event with the brothers, here he is dealing with the future, theirs and ours, by sowing the seeds of revelation regarding servanthood.

John the Baptist had said he was not worthy to loosen the sandal of Jesus, yet Jesus now does this to others?

The Lord served (serves, and still serves) not because he had to but because he chose to. To choose to serve is not to become a door-mat.

Jesus comes to Peter.

What is John recording as he remembers? Peter is probably already dead. John who respects him and his memory is not out to undermine his memory. After all, this gospel is about Jesus first and foremost (John ).

Peter’s confusion, Peter’s mistake, Peter’s response

Question: Do you feel sympathy for Peter? If so, why?

Peter’s confusion

“My feet!?”

Perhaps Peter truly expressed incomprehension. There is no rebuke from Jesus, so perhaps this confirms the nature of Peter’s comments. Limited knowledge is not wrong, it depends upon what we do with it.

V7 you will understand later – and he didn’t mean they should wait long for some understanding (see v12,13) but perhaps more understanding came over time. Notice the words of comfort Jesus gives, see his character. I sense his comfort when I look at mysteries and hold up to him the unanswered questions. Ignorance will not last forever. Upon his return we will know fully (see 1 Cor 13:10-12).

Peter’s mistake

“No,” he says. He rebels, for whatever the motive. This is like those who think salvation can be obtained or attained through through effort – the “70 years good living blasphemy”. This is pride and self-righteousness revealed. This is the refusal of Grace that has been the treasure of the centuries.

Jesus responds tenderly v8. I wonder, without this lesson on Grace would Peter have failed later to understand Grace as the only means of salvation? Was this already some preparation for the vision on the rooftop which led to the open door for the Gentiles?

“If I don’t wash you…” He speaks of his blood. As in the conversation with Samaritan woman in Jn 4 when speaking of water, and with the Jews in Jn 6 when speaking of manna, Jesus switches from a natural meaning to a higher meaning.

V10, “You are clean but not all…”

Peter had a problem with the master serving the servant, but Jesus is taking Peter further than that, he will be washed in the atoning blood or else have no part with Jesus. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

If Peter could not allow Jesus to wash his feet, how could he allow Jesus to wash him in blood?

Peter’s response

“Not my feet only but all…”

I think of his earlier lavish expressions of faith in John 6:67-69, “You do not want to leave too, do you? Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

And

“Shall I build shelters?” Mark 9:5.

Now his understanding may still be limited, but his attitude is right, his rebellion has gone.

 

3) Explanation – Jesus teaches

v10 The clean only need the feet washing (see v1 “in the world”). Feet are being used as representing that part of us which engages with the world, as we walk the walk.

See Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns!”

In the Greek, the words for washing in v10 are different. The NIV makes the distinction:

“Jesus answered, A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”

Once the soul is washed, as in being “born again” or justified, it does not need to be born-again again, but will need to be cleansed from the sins of the daily walk.

“And you are clean, though not every one of you.” Here he refers to Judas.

In the Kingdom or outside of it, there is a difference. Not of degree. It is like being on the bus or missing it, in the life-boat or still in the icy water.

Here it seems the key to understanding the true nature of Judas is revealed. He was not merely confused and falling away, but never having been spiritually cleansed, never having submitted. What words could we use? Unconverted, not justified, not redeemed washed or sanctified? The terms are less important than understanding the truth and knowing where you are, and where those you love are.

 

After Jesus washed (Judas as well)

He returns to his seat fully clothed and says to them (v7) “You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” He said they would understand, now the explanation.

His status in acknowledged, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’, and rightly so, for that is what I am.” It is as if he says, “If I do it, how much more those who are below?” He has included all people as there is none higher that he is. See 1 Tim 5:10.

v15 there is debate whether it is to be done by followers today. Was he speaking literally or figuratively?

V17 “you will be blessed” NIV. “happy are ye if ye do them” KJV. There is joy in serving Jesus. And service is for all.

 

Conclusion

How do you feel when you see someone with “dirty feet”? I speak of those trying to engage with the world and who experience failure along the way.

  • Rejoice that they are trying to engage with the world, to be in it though not a part of it (Jn 17).

  • Rejoice that it is only their feet. They are inside the Kingdom, not outside. In the light not in darkness.

  • Rejoice that cleansing is possible (1 John 2:11,12).

  • Rejoice they have sought cleansing, received cleansing, submitted to cleansing.

  • Beware. 1 Corinthians 10:12 “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

The main lesson? Aside from all the doctrine, I come to the conclusion that his main message when Jesus returned to his seat, was servanthood.

Philippians 2:4

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”