Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

John 13:1-20 - The Love of Jesus for His own

John Wiers · October 15, 2020

John 13:1-20

sharonrpc.org/sermons/john-13-1-20-the-love-of

Summary

On the eve of the cross, Jesus' foot washing acts out his enduring love for those who belong to him.
The disciples seek position while their Lord deliberately takes the place of the household's lowest servant.
Jesus serves with full knowledge of his divine origin, coming glory, and Judas's approaching betrayal; his humility flows from sovereign strength.
Peter must receive cleansing on Christ's terms, illustrating both the decisive cleansing of salvation and the believer's continuing need for forgiveness.
Foot washing is presented as a pattern of humble service rather than an empty ritual detached from dirty and costly work.
Those served and saved by Jesus are sent to serve one another and carry the gospel into a hurting world.

How does Jesus' knowledge of his authority and destination free him to take the servant's place?
Where does concern for prestige or safety keep me from doing lowly work for another person?
Am I trying to receive Christ on my preferred terms, as Peter initially did, or submitting to the cleansing Christ says I need?
How does the distinction between decisive cleansing and daily cleansing shape confession and assurance?
What concrete service would follow Jesus' example without turning foot washing into a performance?
Whom is Christ sending me to serve with the gospel and practical mercy?

Loved to the end: Christ's steadfast and complete love for his own as he willingly proceeds to the cross.
Servanthood: Using strength, position, and freedom to perform humble work for another person's good.
Cleansing: Christ's saving removal of guilt together with the believer's ongoing need to confess and receive forgiveness.
Acted parable: A visible action that points beyond itself, here from washed feet to Christ's cleansing death and the disciple's calling to serve.