Embracing Christ's Love Through Humility and Service
Summary
### Summary
As we gather to partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice. Reflecting on Hebrews 10:12-14, we see that Jesus' single offering has perfected us for all time. This morning, we delve into John 13, a unique account of the Last Supper, where Jesus washes His disciples' feet. Unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John does not focus on the bread and the cup but on this act of humility and service. This act is a powerful illustration of what it means to be people of the cross.
Jesus, aware of His impending crucifixion, uses this moment to prepare His disciples for the days ahead. He demonstrates that through His sacrifice, we are made completely clean. However, as we walk through life, we still get our feet dirty, symbolizing the ongoing process of sanctification. Justification, the once-and-for-all declaration of our righteousness through faith in Christ, is distinct from sanctification, the ongoing transformation into Christ's likeness.
Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet also introduces a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved us. This love is characterized by humility and service, reflecting the depth of Christ's love for us. As we experience and delight in Christ's love, we are called to radiate that love to others through humble acts of service. This is how the world will know we are His disciples.
As we approach the Lord's Supper, we are invited to reflect on our complete cleansing in Christ and the ongoing need for sanctification. We are also called to embrace the new commandment of loving others through humility and service, following Jesus' example. This morning, let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the Lord's Supper with these truths in mind.
### Key Takeaways
1. Complete Cleansing in Christ: Through Jesus' once-and-for-all sacrifice, we are made completely clean. This profound truth challenges the disciples' understanding of sin and sacrifice, emphasizing that Christ's death on the cross is sufficient for all time. This complete cleansing liberates us from guilt and shame, allowing us to live in the freedom of Christ's righteousness. [10:25]
2. Ongoing Sanctification: While we are justified and made completely clean through Christ, we still get our feet dirty, symbolizing the ongoing process of sanctification. This process involves being convicted of sin, confessing, repenting, and seeking forgiveness. It is a journey of growing in holiness and becoming more like Christ, continually cleansed by His grace. [16:03]
3. Humility and Service: Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet exemplifies the humility and service that should characterize our lives as His followers. This act teaches us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others. By humbling ourselves and serving others, we reflect Christ's love and demonstrate what it means to be people of the cross. [21:33]
4. New Commandment of Love: Jesus introduces a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. This love is not just a feeling but an active, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for us. It calls us to humble ourselves and serve others, making Christ's love visible to the world. This is how we are distinguished as His disciples. [24:20]
5. Practical Application of Love: Embracing Christ's love for us should inspire us to find practical ways to serve others. Whether it's taking out the trash or performing other acts of service, these small actions can radiate the love of Christ. By delighting in Christ's love and seeking to reflect it in our daily lives, we fulfill the new commandment and make a tangible impact on those around us. [27:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:35] - Opening Prayer
[02:54] - Introduction to John 13
[04:13] - Differences in the Gospel Accounts
[05:30] - The Last Supper in John
[06:40] - Jesus' Awareness of His Mission
[07:56] - Preparing the Disciples
[09:06] - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
[10:25] - Complete Cleansing in Christ
[11:47] - Understanding Sacrificial Math
[13:17] - Once and For All Sacrifice
[14:40] - Ongoing Sanctification
[16:03] - Justification and Sanctification
[17:35] - Embracing Justification
[19:05] - The Process of Sanctification
[20:20] - Restoring Fellowship with the Father
[21:33] - Humility and Service
[22:52] - The New Commandment
[24:20] - Reflecting Christ's Love
[25:35] - Practical Application of Love
[27:58] - Radiating Christ's Love
[29:29] - Embracing Opportunities to Serve
[30:59] - Conclusion and Invitation to the Lord's Supper
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 10:12-14
- John 13:1-17
- 1 John 1:9
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 10:12-14, what did Christ's single sacrifice achieve for believers? [01:35]
2. In John 13, what significant act does Jesus perform for His disciples during the Last Supper? [05:30]
3. What does Jesus mean when He tells Peter, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean"? [09:06]
4. What new commandment does Jesus give to His disciples in John 13:34-35? [22:52]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "complete cleansing in Christ" from Hebrews 10:12-14 challenge traditional views of sin and sacrifice? [10:25]
2. What is the significance of Jesus washing His disciples' feet in the context of their understanding of humility and service? [09:06]
3. How does the ongoing process of sanctification, as described in the sermon, affect a believer's daily life and relationship with God? [16:03]
4. What does it mean to love one another as Jesus has loved us, and how does this new commandment distinguish believers from the world? [24:20]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea of "complete cleansing in Christ." How does this truth impact your sense of guilt and shame? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to embrace this freedom more fully? [10:25]
2. The sermon mentioned that we still get our feet dirty and need ongoing sanctification. What are some practical steps you can take to regularly confess and seek forgiveness for your sins? [16:03]
3. Jesus demonstrated humility and service by washing His disciples' feet. What are some humble acts of service you can perform in your daily life to reflect Christ's love? [21:33]
4. Jesus gave a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. Identify a specific person or group in your life that you find challenging to love. How can you show them Christ-like love this week? [24:20]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of practical application of love, such as taking out the trash. What is one small, practical act of service you can commit to this week to demonstrate Christ's love in your home or community? [27:58]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of humility in your interactions with others, especially in situations where you might feel prideful or self-important? [21:33]
7. Reflect on the process of sanctification in your life. Are there specific sins or habits that you need to address? How can you seek accountability and support from your small group in this journey? [16:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Complete Cleansing in Christ
Description: Through Jesus' once-and-for-all sacrifice, we are made completely clean. This profound truth challenges the disciples' understanding of sin and sacrifice, emphasizing that Christ's death on the cross is sufficient for all time. This complete cleansing liberates us from guilt and shame, allowing us to live in the freedom of Christ's righteousness. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our identity is rooted in Christ's finished work, not in our own efforts or failures. This truth should transform how we view ourselves and others, leading us to live in the freedom and joy of being fully accepted and loved by God. [10:25]
Hebrews 10:12-14 (ESV): "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: How does understanding that you are completely cleansed in Christ change the way you view your past mistakes and current struggles?
Day 2: Ongoing Sanctification
Description: While we are justified and made completely clean through Christ, we still get our feet dirty, symbolizing the ongoing process of sanctification. This process involves being convicted of sin, confessing, repenting, and seeking forgiveness. It is a journey of growing in holiness and becoming more like Christ, continually cleansed by His grace. Sanctification is not about achieving perfection but about being transformed by the Holy Spirit day by day. As we walk this path, we are reminded of our dependence on God's grace and the importance of staying connected to Him through prayer, Scripture, and community. [16:03]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the need for ongoing sanctification? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area today?
Day 3: Humility and Service
Description: Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet exemplifies the humility and service that should characterize our lives as His followers. This act teaches us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others. By humbling ourselves and serving others, we reflect Christ's love and demonstrate what it means to be people of the cross. This kind of service requires us to put aside our pride and self-interest, seeking instead to meet the needs of those around us. It is through these humble acts of service that we can make a tangible impact on the lives of others and bring glory to God. [21:33]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your life today. How can you demonstrate Christ's love through this act of service?
Day 4: New Commandment of Love
Description: Jesus introduces a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. This love is not just a feeling but an active, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for us. It calls us to humble ourselves and serve others, making Christ's love visible to the world. This is how we are distinguished as His disciples. By loving others in this way, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel and invite others to experience the love of Christ. This commandment challenges us to go beyond superficial acts of kindness and to engage in deep, sacrificial love that reflects the heart of Jesus. [24:20]
1 John 3:16-18 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you find difficult to love? How can you show them Christ's love in a practical and sacrificial way this week?
Day 5: Practical Application of Love
Description: Embracing Christ's love for us should inspire us to find practical ways to serve others. Whether it's taking out the trash or performing other acts of service, these small actions can radiate the love of Christ. By delighting in Christ's love and seeking to reflect it in our daily lives, we fulfill the new commandment and make a tangible impact on those around us. This practical application of love is not about grand gestures but about consistently showing up for others in meaningful ways. It is through these everyday acts of love and service that we can make a difference and point others to Jesus. [27:58]
Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: What is one small, practical way you can show love to someone in your community today? How can you make this a regular part of your daily routine?
Quotes
1. "So, catch the moment here. Jesus is aware that all of these years of public ministry are now coming to a close. And the time has come. He is about to return to the Father. He knows what is about to happen. He knows Judas is about to betray Him. He knows that they're going to go out to the garden. He's going to be arrested. He knows there's going to be the trials and the scourging and the crucifixion. He knows there's going to be a resurrection. And He knows that there's going to be an ascension." [06:40] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In Christ, through the cross, we are completely clean. This is what he says, the one who is bathed is completely clean. That means holy, totally, absolutely clean. What Jesus is trying to help his disciples grasp is this very important truth, that what he was about to do on the cross was the once and for all sacrifice for our sins." [10:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, here's Jesus trying to help them understand that His death is going to be a once and for all sacrifice. This is why I want us to begin reading from Hebrews chapter 10. When Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins. And then verse 14, by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." [13:17] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sanctification is this ongoing process of being transformed into the image of Christ. I wish the gospel said something more like when you come to saving faith, you are perfect. But that's not the gospel that we know, that's not the gospel that we live, and that's not the gospel that Scripture even bears witness to. This is why in Colossians it tells us to put to death what is earthly among you. Put on the new self, because we are constantly growing." [14:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The only evidence really that we have that we have been justified is that we're in the process of being sanctified. And if you're not in the process of being sanctified, by what ground do you know that you have been justified? But even in a practical matter, in the process of sanctification, or we get to the point where we get to the point where we get our feet dirty, to use the analogy, when we fall into sin, if we're not confessing that and repenting of that and asking for forgiveness and asking for cleansing, what happens in our life?" [19:05] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So, a silly analogy of trying to say ok what does this look like real life. So your households are probably like ours. We have, you know, we do division of labor like you do in your house. I've got things that I do. Kelly's got things that she's on her list. So one of the things that's on my list is I trash. That's me. So if there's any trash anywhere on the city limits, I mean on my property, you know, it's my responsibility to get rid of trash." [26:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So, why does Jesus wash His disciples' feet? Number one, He's trying to help them understand what's about to take place on the cross. The cross is that once and for all sacrifice for your sins. Now, you're going to go through the process of sanctification. You're going to go through the process of sanctification. And there's going to be times where your feet are dirty, and you're going to need to confess and seek forgiveness and have, be cleansed. And that's part of our fellowship, and that's broken that fellowship." [30:59] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So, in a moment, I'm going to pass a tray out, and they're going to give you a small little piece of bread. And when you hold that and you meditate upon that, I want you to think about this whole idea that in Christ you are completely clean. I want you to think about the freedom and liberation that you have, that you're no longer experiencing the guilt and the shame. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. And think about that, rejoice in that, delight in that." [32:14] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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