Jesus: The One Who Cleanses Us From Sin (John 13)

Jesus is a master teacher. At the most teachable moment, when the time was right and the disciples hearts were ready, Jesus taught by way of object lesson and example. He laid aside his garments, donned the towel of a slave, and proceeded to wash the feet of his disciples, all twelve of them. The disciples were aghast that their Master would do such a thing. They pulled back in resistance. But Jesus insisted. By washing their feet, Jesus pointed to their need of a greater cleansing, one that only he could accomplish for them through a greater act of love, humility, and service.
 

Jesus: The One Who Cleanses Us From Sin
John 13

1. We are dirty.

2. God is holy.

3. God sent Jesus to make His people clean. (1-11)
    a. Jesus makes God’s people clean because God sent him for this purpose. (1-3)
    b. Jesus makes God’s people clean because of his love for us. (1)
    c. Jesus makes God’s people clean by humbling himself. (4)
    d. Jesus makes God’s people clean individually. (5)
    e. Jesus makes God’s people clean through his death and resurrection. (6-7)
    f. Jesus makes God’s people clean so that we might “have share with him.” (8-9)
    g. Jesus makes God’s people clean, a work that can never be undone. (10)
    h. Jesus makes God’s people clean but not every one of us is clean. (11, 18-30)
        Who is not cleansed? (Judas stands as an example)
           i. Those who have not been chosen by the grace of God are not made clean. (18a)
          ii. Those who have lifted their heel against Christ are not made clean. (18b)
         iii. Those who will not receive Jesus are not made clean. (20)
         iv. Those who betray Jesus are not made clean. (21)

4. Our loving service to one another gives evidence that we have been made clean. (12-17, 31-35)
    a. Jesus loved us; and his love enables us to love one another. (34)
    b. Jesus humbled himself for us; and his humility calls us to humble ourselves with one another.
    c. Jesus served us; and his service demands that we serve one another. (14)

“Representatives of Jesus —then and today — should go low in humility and service not only because Jesus did, and not only because it is the most deeply joyful way of life, but also because they know their true, unshakable standing with God as “completely clean.” So I would simply say to all believers: Because Jesus went low, and because going low is the path of joy and because you are completely clean, don’t exalt yourself, but go low in humble service. Elders, go low. Heads of households, go low. Small group leaders, go low. Presidents of companies, owners, supervisors, managers, go low. Mom and Dad, go low. Big brothers and sisters, go low. ‘A’ students, go low. Good athletes, go low. Pretty teenage girls, go low to serve. Christian, go low...to represent your Savior, to know his joy, and because you are completely clean.” John Piper