Bible Text: John 13:1-17 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: Authority of the Towel, John

Recap of 9/16/12 (John 13:1-13):

1.  John 13 begins the next major section of the book.  The outline we are following is:

              I.  Prologue  1:1-18

             II.  Public teaching and miracles  1:19-12:50

            III.  Private teaching  13-17

            IV.  Passion & resurrection  18-20

             V.  Postlude (Epilogue) 21

2.  John 13 provides one of the most poignant pictures of Jesus’ ministry as He washes the disciples’ feet.  One of the most powerful symbols of His authority is seen in the towel, the basin, and dirty feet.

3.  This visual illustration of humility was needed because of the pride of the disciples seen in their ongoing dispute over which of them was the greatest.  A dispute which is evident in various passages of Scripture and which even inserted itself into this “last supper.”  (See Matthew 20:17-28; Mark 9:33-34; Luke 22:24-28).

4.  Jesus loved them despite their failures.  Dr. John Mitchell stated it this way:  “He knew all about the frailty and the failures of His disciples, yet He loved them to the end.  And He loves us clear through to the end, to the uttermost.  I repeat, our frailty, our faults, our failures, our circumstances never affect His love for us.  Now, I’m not excusing frailty, nor am I excusing failure.  But instead of becoming discouraged because of failure, we must have our eyes on Him and remember that even our failures have not affected His love for us.”

5.  The issue is clearly set before us by the writer who asked:  “Are you willing to follow Christ’s example of serving?  Whom can you serve today?”