May 5, 1999

FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Acts of service demonstrate
the reality of faith
___ John 13:1-35
___By Thomas Lea
___Southwestern Seminary
___Church members had met at the church for an important banquet. Attendance was unusually large. Service was slow. The pastor carried a pitcher of tea to several tables to refill beverage glasses. Members noticed his actions. He had met the needs of thirsty guests by showing humble service. Jesus calls his followers to serve others in his name.
___ Served (John 13:1-5). Events of this chapter occurred at the Last Supper which Jesus ate with his disciples before his crucifixion. John's Gospel does not mention the institution of the Lord's Supper (see Matthew 26:17-20).
___When he washed the disciples' feet, Jesus fully recognized his authority, his origin and his life purpose. The awareness of his power and position did not prevent ministry to those he had chosen as disciples. He was preparing them for the final crisis of his ministry.
___Jesus and his disciples entered the banquet room from the street. They wore sandals which allowed street grime to cover their feet. Ordinarily, a host would have selected a servant to remove the sandals and wash guests' feet. No servants attended this secret meeting. None of the disciples volunteered to perform the menial task of footwashing.
___During the meal, Jesus arose, removed his outer garment, tied a towel around his waist and began to wash his disciples' feet. His voluntary humility rebuked the disciples' pride. His act of service provides an example to use in serving others.
___ Cleansed (John 13:6-11). Peter responded by suggesting that Jesus ought not to degrade himself by washing feet. His response showed a high regard for Jesus.
___Jesus' answer in verse 8b showed that cleansing was necessary to become fit for God's usage. The external washing provided a picture of spiritual cleansing available through Jesus' death.
___Peter expressed his devotion to Jesus by requesting a bath. Jesus reminded him that a person who had bathed needed only a footwashing to become clean again. Spiritually this meant that people who had responded in faith to Jesus needed cleansing from sin's defilement in order to grow in grace. They did not need a repeated regeneration. They needed only to remove defilement.
___The death of Christ provided ultimate cleansing and acceptance by God. Believers can thank God for their new relationship to him through faith in Jesus (John 1:12).
___ Encouraged (John 13:12-17). Jesus used the act of washing feet to demonstrate the importance of love and service. He emphasized that if he as leader had humbled himself to serve the disciples, they should do the same for one another. Jesus had shown that genuine Christian living demanded mutual service. He promised God's blessings on those who followed this role.
___Service to others comes in all sizes and shapes. We demonstrate the reality of our faith when we show it by loving, helping and supporting others. This love convinces people that we follow Jesus (John 13:35).

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