RESPONDING TO THE GOD WHO STOOPS TO LOVE John 13:1-38

Jesus is on the most important mission ever and He has time to wash feet.

He shed his outer garment… Assuming the role of a servant. Without shedding his role of Teacher and Lord.

John says, “...he now showed them the full extent of his love.” –v 1c Here are 3 ways in which Jesus says “I love you.” Each is a gift to satisfy a deep need in our being.

A HUMILITY TO EMULATE I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. – v 15

Jesus humbled himself without loss of dignity. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. – vs

It’s funny to watch Peter struggle with the idea of a Messiah who washes feet He is too humble to allow Jesus to wash his feet. But proud enough to tell Jesus how to do it.

the Beloved Captain by Donald Hankey After a march he would inspect his men’s feet. If any had sore feet, he would kneel, carefully look them over, prescribe remedies and tend to blisters. The men said, “We knew instinctively that he was our superior – a man of finer fiber than ourselves.”

It’s a quality we admire It is the one who stoops like that – like Christ – whom men in the end honor as a king, and whose memory they will not willingly let die. So why are we threatened… –when someone replaces us? –When we don’t get our way? –When we don’t feel appreciated?

A PROOF TO CONVINCE I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. – v 19

The probability… Of one man in a single lifetime fulfilling more than 300 prophecies in the O.T., made over a 1500 year period, is 8 x

Jesus is referring to a specific text Long ago King David wrote: Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. – Ps 41:9

There are times when you and I have got to know that Jesus is God. It’s not enough to know that He was a great teacher or moral influence. It’s not enough to know that He was a historical figure or the founder of a great religion. So Jesus said, am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. – v 19

A LOVE TO ASSURE A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – v 34

We quote Leviticus 19:18 …love your neighbor as yourself. This is a limitation. We can’t love another more than we love ourselves. Loving another requires knowing that you are loved.

The standard immediately got tested. Peter pledged his love and loyalty. Jesus said, Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! – v 38

So how do we react… When disappointed? When hurt by a fellow Christian?

Three Great Gifts Which we so badly need

The Master Assured us… Greatness comes by serving. –Pride sets one up for a fall. Even in the darkest times of life, we can Know that Jesus is God. –It’s fair to wonder. –But settle on the proof. We can rest assured that we are loved steadfastly. –So we can sincerely love others. Rest in the security of God’s love. Then freely love others.