Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet John 13:1-17
David Servant's sermon emphasizes the importance of servanthood as demonstrated by Jesus washing His disciples' feet, challenging believers to serve others in practical ways.
David Servant preaches on the significance of Jesus washing His disciples' feet, highlighting how Jesus, as their Lord and Teacher, demonstrated true greatness through servanthood. By performing a task typically reserved for servants, Jesus showed that in God's kingdom, greatness is found in serving others. He challenges believers to follow Jesus' example by serving one another in practical ways, emphasizing the importance of humility and selflessness.
Text
In Jesus' time, foot washing was a common practice. People wore sandals, and their feet would often become dirty from traveling dusty roads and paths. Upon entering a house, the first order of business was the washing of feet. If a person were wealthy enough to have a servant, his servant would wash his feet and the feet of visiting guests.
By washing His disciples' feet, Jesus was doing what an ordinary servant would do. What made His act so extraordinary is that He was their Lord and Teacher. In their society (and ours) no one of any stature would stoop to such a lowly level of servanthood. But Jesus wanted to demonstrate to them what true greatness was in God's eyes. In God's kingdom, the greatest person is the one who serves others. Jesus, of course, is the greatest servant there ever was---He gave His life for us all.
If Jesus visited you and wanted to teach the same lesson, He probably wouldn't wash your feet, but would do something more culturally relevant. He would perform some equivalent lowly and undesirable task to demonstrate true servanthood. Perhaps He would wash out your garbage cans or clean your toilet. If He was visiting your church on Sunday, He might work in the nursery, changing diapers. Then He would say, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you" (John 13:15). God wants His children to serve each other in practical ways. The question is: Are we?
Sermon Outline
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I
- Cultural context of foot washing
- Significance of servanthood in Jesus' time
- Comparison to modern practices
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II
- Jesus as Lord and Teacher
- The act of washing feet as a demonstration of humility
- Contrasting societal views on greatness
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III
- True greatness in God's kingdom
- The example of Jesus as the greatest servant
- Implications for believers today
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IV
- Cultural relevance of servanthood today
- Practical examples of serving others
- The call to action for Christians
Key Quotes
“In God's kingdom, the greatest person is the one who serves others.” — David Servant
“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” — David Servant
“God wants His children to serve each other in practical ways.” — David Servant
Application Points
- Look for opportunities to serve others in your community, reflecting Jesus' humility.
- Consider what lowly tasks you might undertake to demonstrate true servanthood.
- Encourage others in your church to join you in serving those in need.