If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:14-16
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:12-20, where Jesus has just washed the disciples' feet and He then shares why He did. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus understood that the disciples did not know why He washed their feet (see v7), so being a patient and caring God, He teaches and guides them - telling Him why he performed this act of service. He first identifies Himself as Lord (first) and Teacher (second) - v13. In vv14-15, Jesus then shares how He gave the disciples an example to follow - believers should serve as He served. This ties back to the two greatest commandments from Matthew 22:34-40 - to first love God, then to love others. We don't exist to glorify ourselves but instead to glorify God. This requires us to surrender to Him and allow others to see God in us as we bear and demonstrate fruit - the love of God manifesting itself in the love of (and service to) others. V16 emphasizes a truth (spoken by Jesus with emphasis in His authority) that we are to serve Him as He is our Master and sent by God the Father. V17 shares a promise that we will be blessed if we love, serve and glorify Jesus. In v18, Jesus refers to whom He has chosen to love, serve and glorify Him - leaving out Judas as Jesus refers to Psalm 41:9 in His description of Judas as He shares the betrayal will fulfill prophecy. In vv19-20 Jesus shares that He tells the disciples these things so that when they do occur, they will have a more complete understanding of who Jesus is and how came to fulfill prophecy and all of His Words are Truth - we can have faith and believe in Him.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The twelve are described by Jesus - both in the present and in the future - as serving Him - with exception to Judas who loves Himself more than God and betrays Jesus.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should avoid sin as all sin is a betrayal of God. Claim the promise that we will be blessed if love, serve, and glorify God. Follow the example - and commandment - of Jesus to love and serve others (see also Mark 10:45).
My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and saves - You laid down Your life in the ultimate act of serve - so that I could have forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
