Title [Today’s Sermon] Stop ‘Performance’
Contents
John 13:1-17
Please pay attention to the words of the Lord in the text, “It is lawful for you also to wash one another's feet” (verse 14). What do you guys think of this command?
If you read the text carefully, the word ‘know’ appears 6 times (verses 1·3·7·10·12·17). The Lord knew exactly what he needed to know. But the disciples did not know what they needed to know as disciples. So there was nothing in common between Jesus and his disciples. was cut off. And furthermore, the illusion of knowing without knowing was manifested in pride and foolishness, which made him do erratic things that were contrary to the will of the Lord.
In verses 1 and 3 Jesus knew that He would leave His disciples and return to His Father. But the disciples do not know. So, we are fighting over who is the greatest and who is the greatest during that precious time (Luke 22:24). Jesus suddenly gets up while eating. He can't leave his foolish disciples alone, so he takes extraordinary actions. He washed the disciples' feet. Peter refused, saying, “It is the work of a servant.” As Peter lives from the perspective of who is taller and taller, it is only natural.
Jesus said, “I do not know now what I am doing, but later you will know” (verse 7). What does it mean? “Because I have washed your feet as Lord and Teacher, it is right that you also wash one another’s feet. I have set an example that you should do as I have done to you” (verses 14-15). What Jesus felt sorry for was that the disciples did not know of His endless mercy and gentleness toward His people, the joy and joy that He loved so much that they could not bear it. But the hope of the Lord that they will find out later is love. In other words, love my enemies, those who persecute me, and even those who make my eyes cry. It says that foolish disciples will be able to meet such people with the heart of the Lord, wash their feet, and do whatever a servant does.
Literally, if the focus is on the act of washing your feet, this is just a 'performance'. During one program, there is an order to wash your feet. As I get down on my knees and wash my hands, I am captivated by the emotion that I am doing something very big and precious. Even those who are washed away are moved and saddened. We should hug and thank each other with hot tears. But after a while, they get angry, upset, and quarrel over something, and then they become enemies. This is how the people who washed their feet live today.
Do not forget the saying, “Blessed are you if you ‘know these things’ and do them” (verse 17). What does ‘knowing this’ mean? It means that when you do something, you must know the Lord's love, mercy, and humility properly, and do it with such an attitude and heart. These days people wear socks and good shoes. They don't wear sandals like Jesus did. There is no custom of washing your feet. The surprise performance that promises to impress with a one-time performance without being prepared for love to serve as a servant must stop now.