John 13 - Introduction

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

We come now, in John's Gospel, to the beginning of the Lord's private ministry to the chosen Twelve. Chapter twelve ends the disclosure of the Son of God by Himself to the Jewish people and the record of their rejection of Him. Large portions of the Synoptic gospels are taken up with discourses of Jesus during the last week of His ministry which are not recorded in John's gospel. Some of the great teachings of Jesus that take place chronologically between Chapter s twelve (Triumphal Entry) and thirteen (The Last Supper) of the Fourth gospel not recorded in therein are: (cf. Map #7, John 14:25-31).

a.

Great questions answered by Jesus, Matthew 21:1-46; Matthew 22:1-46; Mark 11:1-33; Mark 12:1-44; Luke 20:1-47.

b.

Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees, Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:1-44; Luke 20:1-47.

c.

Predictions of destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world, Matthew 24:1-51; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:1-38.

d.

Discourse on the Judgment, Matthew 25:1-46.

e.

Judas-' plot to betray Jesus, Matthew 26:1-75; Mark 14:1-72; Luke 22:1-71.

f.

Preparation for the Passover, Matthew 26:1-75; Mark 14:1-72; Luke 22:1-71.

Now, beginning with chapter thirteen we have recorded for us the Word manifested, with a few exceptions, to the disciples privately and their eventual acceptance of Him (cf. our outline, page 19, Vol. I). Especially does John record (chap. 13 through 17) the more intimate, personal and private self-disclosure of Jesus to His disciples. Chapter thirteen is unique in this for no other gospel writer records these parting instructions of Jesus. Thus John 13:1-38 is vital in its complementary and explicatory connection to the synoptic accounts of the Last Supper.

John 13:35 is a condensation of the theme of the entire thirteenth chapter. Chapter thirteen is a very pertinent lesson on humility and service growing out of a bickering argument concerning places of honor and station in the anticipated kingdom of the Messiah (cf. Luke 22:24-30). It is also the beginning of a period of poignant instruction by the Master who must soon leave His disciples. Chapter s 13 through 17 are the parting words of comfort and strength of the Incarnate Father to His soon-to-be bereaved children.

It is Jesus-' desire to reveal unto them privately and graphically the character of the Son of God and His kingdom by example and precept.
We now take up a new division in our outline of the Fourth Gospel where the record naturally divides itself:

III

The Word Manifested to The Disciples and Their Acceptance of Him. John 13:1, John 20:31

A.

Private Instructions and Encouragements, John 13:1, John 17:26

1.

Lesson on Humility and Service, John 13:1-38

a.

The Act of Loving Service, John 13:1-11

b.

The Lesson on Loving Service, John 13:12-20

c.

The Selfish Servant of Sin, John 13:21-30

d. The Sacrificing Servant of Christ, John 13:31-38

EXPOSITORY SERMON THIRTEEN

DIVINE LESSON ON HUMILITY AND SERVICE

John 13:1-38

Introduction

I.

THE SCENE

A.

The age-old ritual of the Passover is begun by Jesus.

B.

The disciples were arguing among themselves as to rank and position in the Messianic kingdom (which they believed to be coming to earth).

C.

The disciples had forgotten to perform the most customary act of hospitality toward their Master, washing of His feet.

II.

THE LORD'S ATTITUDE

A.

Having loved His disciples with fervent, demonstrated love, He now comes to the crucial hour, more vividly aware than ever of His suffering and their misunderstanding and worldliness, and He demonstrates this wonderful act of humility, love and service for them.

B.

Even the betrayer was there but the Lord's concern is not for Himself. He is extending His love even in effort to reclaim this one.

Discussion

I.

THE ACT OF LOVING SERVICE John 13:1-11

A.

Reason for the act.

1.

The disciples needed a lesson in common courtesy and humility.

2.

Jesus sought once more to turn Judas from his evil scheme.

3.

Jesus desired to teach the disciples the nature of His mission (He came to minister, not to be ministered unto).

4.

The Master demonstrates again His love for them personally.

B.

Reaction to the Act

1.

Some probably were so engrossed in politicking that they were unaware of it for a few moments.

2.

It did not reach into the heart of Judas Iscariot at all.

3.

Impetuous Peter finally came to his senses and objected that the Lord would so degrade Himself.

a.

Peter was objecting to the very basic tenent of Christ's ministryhumiliationvoluntary participation in the experiences of humanity. Peter was letting his own reason be the guide in his concept of the Christ rather than allowing Christ to reveal His true nature.

b.

All followers of Christ of every age are guilty of the same rationalizations at one time or another.

4. Later, Peter swings to the opposite extreme (John 13:9).

C.

Reply of Jesus

1.

Peter must obey the Master even when he cannot understand.

a.

This obedience is, of course, based upon the evidence Jesus has given him before of His own deity.

2.

Peter (and all the disciples) must surrender to the humiliated Son of man as their Messiah and Saviour and divest themselves of the richly-regal concept of a worldly Messianic kingdom (see our comments on this portion).

3.

In reply to Peter's leap to the other extreme Jesus said:

a.

Once a person has been cleansed and become a follower of Jesus, he need not repeat the initial cleansing but must sanctify himself and grow in grace by daily repentance and humble acts of love.

4.

All were cleansed and would repent except one.

a.

This warning to strengthen their faith in Him and His mission later.

II.

LESSON ON LOVING SERVICE John 13:12-20

A.

Preachment

1.

His method

a.

motivated learning by asking questions to direct thinking;

b.

on a positive notestarted by complimenting disciples on what they did know;

c.

followed logical progressionused example to illustrate

2.

His message

a.

the example not intended to establish an ordinance in the church;

b.

the principleif your Master is willing to serve in the most menial of tasks, so should you, the servant, be concerned with service and not with arguing over position;

c.

HOW THIS PRINCIPLE NEEDS TO BE APPLIED BY EVERY SERVANT OF THE LORD: PREACHERS, BIBLE COLLEGE TEACHERS, ELDERS, DEACONS. EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST REALIZE HE IS CALLED BY THE MASTER TO SERVE.

B.

The Prize

1.

Knowledgethere comes a knowledge of the Divine Mind when we follow the steps of Jesus.

a.

There is also a warning implied hereknowing the right and failing to do it brings not blessing but curse.

2.

Blessedness (literally, happiness)the road to true happiness and joy is service motivated by love.

a.

Man's ultimate purpose is to glorify and serve Godwhen he does not he is out of harmony with his purpose.

b.

It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

c.

Bearing fruit brings joy (John 15:1-11).

C.

Prophecy of the betrayer.

1.

Given as predictive prophecy so that when it is fulfilled the disciples-' faith in the deity of Jesus would be strengthened.

2.

Another attempt by Jesus to penetrate the hardened heart of the hypocrite (play actor disciple) Judas.

3.

Also it indicates to the disciples the divine omniscience of Jesus then and thereHe knows His destiny all the timeHe controls and is Master of the events.

III.

THE SELFISH SERVANT OF SIN John 13:21-30

A.

Frantic Soul Searching.

1.

The personal grief of the Master as He reclined in the room and at the same table with the greedy and hypocritical betrayer.

a.

Jesus-' grief was mostly His concern over Judas.

b.

Jesus was deeply concerned over the spiritual immaturity of all the disciples.

2.

The disciples are at first incredulous, then stunned, and then perplexed.

a.

There was a period of soul searching (but they did not look deep enough).

b.

Then they began to look around suspiciously at one another.

c.

They all were betraying Him, in a sense, by their dullness of heart concerning His true mission.

3.

Simon Peter, the impetuous, dared to know who, but was hesitant about asking aloud.

B.

My Familiar Friend, the betrayer.

1.

Jesus quoted Psalms 41:9 in John 13:18 to show that His betrayal was prophecied.

a.

David knew that the disloyalty of friends is the sorest of all hurts.

b.

Here is one who had companied with Jesus, eaten with Him, slept with Him, had been trusted with the pursewas even then dipping sop with Him (cf. Psalms 55:12-14).

2.

The offering by the host of a special morsel dipped in the sop to a particular guest was a sign of special concern (cf. Ruth 2:14).

3.

HOW MANY PROFESSED FRIENDS OF JESUS WHO MEET WITH HIM ABOUT THE SUPPER TABLE GO OUT IMMEDIATELY AND BETRAY HIM BY UNCHRISTIAN DEEDS, WORDS AND HABITS.

C.

Fooled Followers.

1.

Judas was a master at deception.

a.

Outwardly one could recognize no difference between him and the other eleven.

b.

He faked a concern for the poor (John 12:4-5).

c.

He innocently asked Is it I, Lord? (Matthew 25:25).

d.

He acted the deception out to the end brazenly taking the morsel offered.

2.

When men deliberately exchange the truth of God for a lie, (Romans 1:25), God gives them up to their desires (cf. Romans 1:28; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

3.

None of the disciples knew what was transpiring.

a.

They did not know Judas was the betrayer.

b.

But Jesus knew!

c.

THERE ARE HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH TODAY, AND SOME MAY GO UNDETECTED BY THE OTHER FAITHFUL DISCIPLES. BUT GOD IS NOT BLIND. HE KNOWS.

d.

Notice: none of the disciples desired the band later when they did find out there was a hypocrite among them.

IV.

THE SACRIFICING SERVANT John 13:31-38

A.

Glorified in His sacrifice.

1.

Now means that in His humiliating (to the world) death the Son would be glorified, exalted.

2.

The Father would also be glorified because of the love and obedience of the Son.

3.

This glorification also included the marvelous resurrection and ascension.

4.

GIVING AND LOVING are the attributes which bring glory.

B.

Going away.

1.

Even at the near hour of His own cruel death His concern is for the soon-to-be bereaved disciples.

2.

But they may know the presence of His living Spirit within their hearts by keeping the new commandment which He leaves with them.

a.

The newness of the commandment is in the newness of the self-sacrificing love which He exemplified.

b.

No such love could be commanded before, because no such LOVE had been exhibited before! (cf Ephesians 3:17-19) and (1 John 2:8-11).

c.

The contrast is between the self-sacrificing love of Christ and the love of self on the part of Judas and even the other disciples this night.

3.

THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION BUT THAT BROTHERLY LOVE IS A MARK OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP. One cannot say he knows and loves God and not have love for his brethren!

C.

Grieving disciples.

1.

Peter is grieved at the thought that the Master must leave and that he cannot follow.

2.

Peter is no cowardhe will gladly engage in physical combat on behalf of the Master and His glorious Messianic kingdom.

a.

Peter would shed his blood for the Jewish throne.

b.

But this is not the type of sacrifice which Jesus desired.

3.

Peter would deny the Lord.

a.

Not because he was physically afraid.

b.

Because he was ashamed of what he thought was a humiliating way for the Messiah to surrender without a fight.

4.

SO MANY CHRISTIANS ARE TOO READY TO WIELD THE SWORD IN SUPPORT OF THEIR OWN CONCEPTS OF CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT FIRST STUDYING TO KNOW WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS!