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John 13:1-17
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<h4 style="font-size: 21px;">John 13:1-17</h4><br> <p style="font-size: 18px;">"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. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 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, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 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." (John 13:1-5 ESV)</p><br><h4 style="font-size: 18px;">The Humility of Jesus</h4> <p style="font-size: 18px;">In this passage, we witness Jesus' ultimate act of humility and love as He washes His disciples' feet. Although He knew that His hour had come, and that He would soon suffer on the cross, He took on the role of a servant. In the cultural context of the time, foot washing was a task typically reserved for the lowest servant in a household. Yet, Jesus—the Lord of all, who had come from God and was returning to God—stooped down to perform this humble act for His followers.</p><p style="font-size: 18px;">This act of humility shows the depth of Christ’s love and sets a powerful example for all believers. Discipleship is not about status or position, but about following Christ’s example of selfless service. Jesus demonstrates that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in humility and servanthood, rather than seeking power or recognition.</p><p style="font-size: 18px;">As disciples of Christ, we are called to lay aside our pride and follow Jesus' example of humility. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in humility, to love and serve others, not out of obligation, but out of a heart transformed by the love of Christ.</p><h4 style="font-size: 18px;">Scriptures to Study:</h4> <p style="font-size: 18px;">Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 20:26-28, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Mark 10:43-45</p><br><h4 style="font-size: 18px;">The Cleansing Power of Jesus</h4> <p style="font-size: 18px;">As Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, Peter initially resists, not understanding the full significance of what Jesus is doing. Jesus responds, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me” (v. 8). This statement points beyond physical cleanliness to a deeper spiritual truth. Just as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, He would soon provide a far greater cleansing through His sacrificial death on the cross, washing away the sins of all who believe in Him.</p><p style="font-size: 18px;">In this act, Jesus symbolizes the cleansing that every disciple must receive to have a relationship with Him. Salvation involves being cleansed by the blood of Christ, made righteous not by our own works but by His grace. Yet, as believers, we continue to need the ongoing cleansing from sin in our daily lives. We are called to confess our sins and allow the Holy Spirit to purify us continually, just as the disciples needed their feet washed even though they were already "clean" (v. 10).</p><p style="font-size: 18px;">Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet is a reminder that apart from Him, we cannot be cleansed or sanctified. It is only through His sacrifice and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit that we are made holy and able to walk in the light of His truth.</p><h4 style="font-size: 18px;">Scriptures to Study:</h4> <p style="font-size: 18px;">1 John 1:7-9, Titus 3:5-6, Ezekiel 36:25-27, Psalm 51:10</p><br><h4 style="font-size: 18px;">A Call to Servant Leadership</h4> <p style="font-size: 18px;">After washing their feet, Jesus tells the disciples, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet" (v. 13-14). Jesus uses this moment to teach His disciples that they must follow His example of humble service. True leadership in the Kingdom of God is not about wielding authority, but about serving others with love and humility.</p><p style="font-size: 18px;">Jesus’ example redefines what it means to lead. The world often views leadership in terms of power and control, but in Christ, leadership means putting others first and being willing to serve them, even in the most menial tasks. The Holy Spirit enables us to live out this calling, to lead in a way that reflects the heart of Christ—serving others as He has served us.</p><p style="font-size: 18px;">As disciples, we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us, seeking to serve rather than to be served. This attitude of servant leadership is a testimony to the world of the transforming power of the gospel, as we reflect the heart of Jesus in our actions and relationships.</p><h4 style="font-size: 18px;">Scriptures to Study:</h4> <p style="font-size: 18px;">Matthew 23:11-12, Galatians 5:13, John 15:12-13, 1 Corinthians 9:19</p><br><h4 style="font-size: 18px;">Summary of Key Points</h4> <ul style="font-size: 18px;"> <li><b>Jesus exemplifies humility</b> – He, the Son of God, took on the role of a servant, demonstrating that true greatness in the Kingdom comes through humble service.</li> <li><b>Jesus provides spiritual cleansing</b> – His act of washing the disciples’ feet points to the greater cleansing He offers through His sacrifice on the cross.</li> <li><b>Disciples are called to serve one another</b> – Jesus calls His followers to imitate His example by serving others with love and humility.</li> <li><b>Servant leadership is central to discipleship</b> – Jesus redefines leadership as servanthood, where we are called to put others before ourselves.</li> <li><b>The Holy Spirit empowers our service</b> – We cannot serve as Jesus did in our own strength; we need the power of the Holy Spirit to live out this calling.</li> </ul><br><h4 style="font-size: 18px;">Life Application Questions</h4> <ul style="font-size: 18px;"> <li>How does Jesus’ example of humility challenge your view of leadership and greatness?</li> <li>In what ways can you serve others more humbly, following the example of Jesus?</li> <li>Have you allowed Jesus to cleanse you fully, both through salvation and in your daily walk? How do you continue to rely on the Holy Spirit for ongoing sanctification?</li> <li>Where is God calling you to practice servant leadership in your home, church, or community?</li> </ul>
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