IN JOHN 13 YOU CAN SEE A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE OF HUMILITY AND LOVE- OR YOU CAN ARGUE ABOUT ORDINANCES

• Catholics teach 7 Sacraments; Mennonites & others -3; Most Baptists- only 2 ORDANANCES-no Sacrament
• A Sacrament = spiritual grace! An ordinance is a picture of Grace given by God- in remembrance!
• Let's examine John 13 for a sweet and precious lesson in humility in this footwashing- Don't confuse it with the Ordinances- Popes & emperors have profaned it- but let's live it for Jesus!

I. WHAT DID JESUS DO ? John 13:1-12

We need to study the Bible like a directive- searching for facts, actions, what was said- exactly!

A. WHEN NO ONE DID THE HUMBLE HONORS OF A SERVANT, JESUS PREPARED HIMSELF & TOOK THE TASK v.1-5

• The preparation for the meal was finished-v.2 & no one had provided for the pre-meal washing-feet
• The disciples were too busy arguing over the offices of the kingdom-playing unhappy children games
• Jesus rose up, laid aside his outer robe, girded himself with a towel, & started to minister!

B. PETER OBJECTED TO BEING WAITED ON BY JESUS, SO JESUS SPOKE PLAINLY & SHARPLY TO HIM -v. 6-9

• Peter was pointed & emphatic- "YOU shall NEVER wash MY Feet!"- Peter was proud of his Lord-Pride?
• But Jesus answered just as emphatically-"If I don't-you have no part with me"-personal or else!
• Peter threw away his objection-and as true extremist-"Feet-Head-Hands"- All or Nothing at all!

C. JESUS EXPLAINED THE LIMITATIONS OF THE COURTESY, & TAUGHT A VITAL LESSON ABOUT SIN! v.10-12

• The one who is bathed (Luow)- Heb 10:10-Washed once for all! Cleansed from Sin nature- Guilt, stain!
• Need only washing (Bipto) of feet- I John 1:9- the daily grime & stain of walking in the world needs washing
• "Ye are clean, but not all"- the heart of Judas never accepted the "once for all" washing- You?

Jesus did an act of humility-to help the disciples understand Salvation & Daily Cleansing- learn well

II. WHAT DID JESUS TEACH? John 13:20

Even as Jesus would give a parable, then explain it to the Apostles- -It was for us too! Learn it!

A. JESUS TAUGHT THEM -"I am your master, You should follow my example! I MINISTER TO YOU!"-v.13,15

• Jesus gave us an example- don't make it a dead ritual-but follow His example- minister to others
• "If you call me Lord & Master, then Obey me!" If I have shown you love- then show it to each other
• Very definitely the lesson was that of humble service- only way to serve Christ-serve others!

B. JESUS TAUGHT: THOUGH THE SERVANT IS NOT GREATER:THAN HIS MASTER: v.16 IF I SERVE, THEN YOU SERVE

• Disciples acting like spoiled princes, spoiled rulers, spoiled brats- So Jesus did the service-
• Jesus taught this often- Matt 20:26- sent them forth, they were not greater than He was!
• Not just in foot washing-but in every level of family fellowship- Have you done service today?

C. IF YE KNOW THESE THINGS, HAPPY ARE YE IF YE DO THEM- HAPPINESS IS KNOWING & DOING FOR JESUS- v17

• James 4:17 -"To him that knoweth to do good, & doeth it not-to him it is sin!-Plain talk for us
• What are you doing as a ministry to the Saints?-visitation-Rest Homes-Teaching? How do you show love?
• What are you doing as a ministry to the unsaved? Concern for Souls? Tracts, Witnessing, Soulwinning?

Washing clean feet in church is no blessing- but humble ministry to one in need is a great Mission!

III. IS THIS AN ORDINANCE OR NOT?

The act can be play acting in Church- but this kind of love is needed in a confused, hurt world.

A. THERE ARE REASONS I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS AN ORDINANCE ALONG WITH BAPTISM AND COMMUNION

• Foot washing is shown only here- Not given in other books of Bible- Only mentioned here - ?
• This wasn't done in early church- later was abused by self righteous popes & emperors- History-
• Our Dining Customs have changed- not needed! But the spirit & love is needed today- be personal

B. THE MESSAGE JESUS TAUGHT WAS THAT OF LOVING SERVICE & TENDER HUMILITY! WE NEED THIS TODAY!

• Echoed throughout Scripture- I Pet-5:5- "Submit, be subject, clothed with humility"- World is Vain
• A lot of trouble between Christians is caused by giving and taking offense- real & imaginary!
• A humble person is hard to offend! & quick to love! Humility is not a weakness- but strength-

C. DO YOU EXHIBIT THIS HUMILITY OF HEART TO LOVE & MINISTER TO THOSE AROUND YOU, OR DO YOU NEED CEREMONY?

• You can wash feet & be hateful about it: Make this a part of your love- not just a ceremony
• The key motive is humility- John 13:34,5 But also a new commandment- new sign- real LOVE!
• Mother nurses a baby in tender love then burps it with a swat- mature love shows in many ways!

Like a boy scout looking for a good deed to tie his neckerchief- what love have you shown today?

JESUS WAS VERY DISTINCT ABOUT THERE BEING A DIFFERENCE- WASH & WASH - BUT ONE THERE UNSAVED*UNWASHED

• Have YOU been playing the part of a Judas?- just going along for the fun-without being WASHED?
• If you need Jesus for over all washing-(salvation), or just a little cleansing- He is Here!
• It was a quarrelsome bunch Jesus led into Communion- I hope our group fares better in our walk with Him- You are tired, overworked, some bone weary- Let His love soothe your hurts and in serving each other- go forward together!