SERMON NOTES FOR JANUARY 30, 2011

 “Taking the Place of Jesus....in Humble Service”

John 13:1-17

John 13:1-17 (ESV)      

:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

:2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,

:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,

:4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.

:5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

:6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”

:7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”

:8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”

:9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”

:10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”

:11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

:12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?”

:13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.

:14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

:15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

:16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

:17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.



Introduction:  It is easy to see that in this passage the actions of Jesus are done in loving humble servitude.  Here are six lessons to be learned about humble service.

1. The Humble Servant

         Is Motivated by Love  (Jn 13:1)

2. The Humble Servant

         Acts Under Divine Compulsion  (Jn 13:1,3)

3. The Humble Servant

         Will Often Act Alone  (Jn 13:4-5)

4. The Humble Servant

         Will Sometimes Meet Opposition (Jn 13:6-8)

5. The Humble Servant

         Serves Even His Enemies  (Jn 13:2, 11)

6. The Humble Servant

         Sets an Example For Others  (Jn 13:12-15)

Questions for Discussion
Based on the January 30 Sermon
"Taking the Place of Jesus ....
in Humble Service"
John 13:1-15

Read Luke 22:7-13 where specific instructions are given regarding preparations for the Passover meal. Discuss the "divine appointments" involved. How sensitive are we/should we be to such "divine appointments" in our lives?

Discuss the concept of humility. How would you define it? Give some examples of how you have seen humility in action.  Look up and discuss these passages: James 4:6-10, 1 John 3:16-18, Philippians 2:3-4, Psalm 51:17 as they relate to the issue of humility.

What are some situations you face presenting the opportunity for humble service? Are you prayerfully willing to engage in that humble service? What are the obstacles you must overcome in order to serve?