THERE IS A WONDERFUL PICTURE OF HUMILITY AND LOVE IN JOHN 13, BUT MANY SEE AN ARGUMENT ABOUT ORDINANCES

1. Catholics teach 7 Sacraments, Mennonites & others list 3, but Baptists & others say only 2 Ordinances
2. A Sacrament conveys Spiritual Grace; An Ordinance is a picture of a Grace given by God
3. Let's examine John 13 for a sweet and precious lesson to be learned in Foot washing, but know that it is not an ordinance. Do not add to nor take away from the Word of God.

I.- WHAT DID JESUS DO ?? John 13:1-12

We need to study the Bible like a detective searching for facts, actions, and what was said.

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

1. The preparation for the meal was finished (2) but no one had provided for pre-meal washing
2. The disciples were too busy arguing over the offices in the Kingdom, they were unhappy children
3. Jesus rose up- laid aside His outer robe, girded Himself with a towel, & started to minister

B.- PETER OBJECTED TO BEING WAITED UPON BY JESUS, AND JESUS SPOKE PLAINLY, SHARPLY TO HIM -6-9

1. Peter was pointed and emphatic -"Thou shalt never wash my feet" - Peter was proud
2. But Jesus answered as emphatically- "If I don't you have no part with Me"- personal or else!
3. Peter threw away his objection-and as a true extremists- "Feet, head, hands"- all or nothing

C.-JESUS EXPLAINED THE LIMITATIONS OF THE COURTESY, AND TAUGHT A VITAL LESSON ABOUR SIN- 10-12

1. The one who is bathed (Louw) Heb 10:10- Washed once for all -Cleansed from sin & its stain
2. We only need (Niptw) washing for the feet - I John 1:9 -washing of today's grime & stain
3. "Ye are clean, but not all" -The heart of Judas had never accepted the "once for all" washing

Jesus did an act of humility to help the disciples to understand Salvation, and Daily Cleansing

II.- WHAT DID JESUS TEACH FROM THIS? John 13:13-2

Even as Jesus would give them a parable, then the spiritual message of the parable, so He taught

A. JESUS TAUGHT THEM, I AM YOUR MASTER, YOU SHOULD FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE, I MINISTERED (13-15)

1. I have given you an example- don't make a dead ordinance- but follow this example -Minister
2. If you call me Lord and Master THEN OBEY ME! If I have shown you love show it to each other
3. Very definitely today- the only way we can serve Christ is to serve each other!

B.- JESUS TAUGHT THEM, "THE SERVANT IS NOT GREATER THAN HIS LORD" v. 16 -IF I SERVE, THEN YOU SERVE

1. The disciples were acting like princes and rulers- spoiled brats!- Jesus took up the Servant
2. Jesus had taught them often- Matt 20:26-8 and had sent them forth- they were not greater than Him
3. Not just in foot washing, but every level of family fellowship. What have you done? -service?

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

1. James 4:17-To him that knoweth to go good, and doeth it not to him it is sin"! -
2. What are you doing as a ministry to the saints? -Visitation, Rest Homes, -teaching, show love?
3. What are you doing as a ministry to the unsaved- Concern for their souls, tracts, witnessing?

Washing clean feet in church is no blessing- but humbly ministering to one in need for Christ is

III. DID JESUS INTEND US TO MAKE AN ORDINANCE?

It is almost play acting in church, but this kind of love out in the world is greatly needed

A.- REASONS WHY I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS TO BE OBSERVED AS AN ORDANANCE WITH BAPTISM & COMMUNION

1. This is not given as an ordinance in the other books in the Bible- this is the only mention
2. This was not done in the early church- but was abused by self righteous Popes and Emperors
3. Our dining customs have changed, and this is not needed- but its spirit and love greatly needed

B.-THE MESSAGE JESUS SOUGHT TO LEAVE WAS THAT OF LOVING SERVICE AND TENDER HUMILTY

1. Echoed throughout scriptures- I Peter 5:5 "submit, be subject, clothed with humility"
2. A lot of trouble between Christians is caused by giving and taking offense -real & imaginary
3. A humble person is hard to offend- and quick to love!- Humility is not weakness- but strength, in control

C.- DO YOU EXHIBIT TO THOSE AROUND YOU THE HUMILITY OF HEART TO LOVE AND MINISTER TO THEM?

1. You can wash feet- and be hateful about it!  But if it is a part of life and not a ceremony-
2. The key motive is humility- John 13:34-35 - A new commandment- a new sign- Love for each other
3. A Mother's Love nurses a tender baby,- and burps them with a swat!- Have you expressed this love?

The lesson of foot washing is shown by obeying the Lord's command in the everyday world-

BUT JESUS WAS DISTINCT ABOUT ONE BEING THERE WHO WAS NOT WASHED- NOT SAVED! - ARE YOU?

Before Communion tonight- there are sins that need to be washed.  Will you let the Lord?

1. If you need the Savior- come to the prayer room- & receive him, or Communion will curse you
2. If you have a quarrel with any- Do the humble thing- go apologize -be willing to wash feet!-
3. Jesus led this bunch of disciples into the Communion service- I hope we are more spiritually prepared than they were... are you?