Foot-washing: the power of symbols…
“It was just before the Passover…” (verse 1)
– Jesus is preparing for the cross
What does Jesus’ ‘foot-washing’ mean?
– The act: washing the disciples feet
– The meaning: Jesus acts like a low-level servant
– The punch: what the Christian life must look like.
Application: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
– Jesus brings us into his mission by cleansing us of sin
Application: “Do you understand what I have done for you?” The dangers of a story that’s a little TOO familiar, and the challenge that goes beyond an unpleasant task.
– Familiarity breeds contempt
– Do you understand… the footwashing? The Christian life is one of sacrificial service.
– Do you understand… the cross? The Christian life is one marked by suffering.
– Our mission is the same as Jesus’ mission.
Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.