Title [John 13:12-17] The Blessed Life
Text: John 13:12-17
Title: Blessed Life
Jesus performed two significant events at the Last Supper. One of them was washing the disciples' feet, and the other was the celebration of the Lord's Supper. All of this work is related to the cross of Jesus, and it still needs to be done, and the text testifies that we are blessed when we participate in this work.
He said, “If you know this and do it, you will be blessed.” I hope that we will all be blessed by doing what the Lord has shown us. Today, we are going to find and introduce the lesson about washing your feet (1-17) and receive grace. During the meal, the Lord took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin, washed the disciples' feet, and wiped them with a towel (4-5), saying, "It is lawful for you to wash one another's feet, just as I have done to you. I have set an example so that you may also do it.” here we
①You can find the lesson to be a servant. Contrary to the heart of the Lord before the cross, even at the Last Supper, the disciples were only arguing over who was the greatest (Luke 22:24). The Lord, who watched that, showed the example of serving Himself. A true Christian should have a heart to serve rather than fight for position. The Lord is pleased with them and uses them preciously. I hope to return to those who serve the Lord according to the example of the Lord.
②You can find the lesson to show love. The cross of the Lord is the crystallization of love. Even washing your feet shows love.
The Lord is asking for a love that is hot enough to wash the feet of a neighbor. John 13:1 says, “He loved his own who were in the world, and he loved them to the end.” In response to the scribe's question about the first commandment, Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.” I hope that we can all practice the love the Lord has shown us.
③ It is a lesson to cover the faults of others. Feet have a lot of dirty dirt on them. Washing them off means that you will eventually get rid of their ugly and dirty sins and faults. Christians don't blame others for their mistakes.
Rather, I blame others for their sins and trespasses and repent. Criticism and condemnation are forbidden by the Lord. He said, “Judge not, least you be judged” (Matthew 7:1-5).
Currently, our society is full of all kinds of slander and criticism. It is the same in the church. There are no righteous people, and there are no people worthy of throwing stones, but there are many people who try to publicize themselves as righteous because they criticize others. Instead, we must become Christians who imitate the Lord who took responsibility and covered our faults.
I hope that we will all meditate on the holy image of Jesus washing the disciples' feet before the sacrament and share the sacrament with the determination to imitate the Lord.