Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 13:6-15
J.C. Ryle expounds on Jesus' foot washing in John 13:6-15 to reveal the profound lesson of humble service and spiritual cleansing that believers are called to emulate.
In this expository sermon on John 13:6-15, J.C. Ryle explores the profound spiritual truths behind Jesus washing His disciples' feet. He highlights the themes of humility, service, and spiritual cleansing, emphasizing the example Christ set for all believers. Ryle encourages Christians to embrace servant leadership and to follow Jesus' command to love and serve one another with humility.
Text
Then he came to Simon Peter. Peter said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not understand what I am doing now, but you will understand after these things." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus replied, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!" Jesus replied, "The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not every one of you." (For Jesus knew the one who was going to betray him. For this reason he said, "Not every one of you is clean.")
So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example--you should do just as I have done for you.
The verses we have now read conclude the story of our Lord\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Peter's initial refusal to have his feet washed
- Jesus' explanation of the necessity of washing
- Peter's request for a more thorough cleansing
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II
- Jesus' teaching on spiritual cleanliness
- The significance of Jesus knowing the betrayer
- The distinction between physical and spiritual purity
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III
- Jesus' example of humble service by washing the disciples' feet
- The command for believers to follow this example
- The meaning of true leadership as servant-hood
Key Quotes
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet.” — J.C. Ryle
“The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.” — J.C. Ryle
“Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Embrace humility by serving others selflessly as Jesus demonstrated.
- Recognize the importance of spiritual cleansing and seek continual renewal in Christ.
- Follow Christ’s example by practicing servant leadership in your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus wash the disciples' feet?
Jesus washed their feet to demonstrate humility and to set an example of servant leadership for His followers.
What does the foot washing symbolize spiritually?
It symbolizes the cleansing from sin and the need for believers to be spiritually pure and humble.
Why was Peter reluctant to have his feet washed?
Peter did not initially understand the significance of Jesus' act and felt unworthy of such service.
What lesson does Jesus want His disciples to learn from this act?
Jesus wants His disciples to learn to serve one another humbly and to follow His example of love and humility.