1. A THRONE OR A TOWEL?

2. JOHN 13:3-17 PLEASE READ ALONG IN YOUR PERSONAL BIBLE

3. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? Jesus washing the The account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet disciples’ feet is found only in the Gospel of John. The disciples were still debating about “greatest” who would be the “greatest” when Christ came into His Kingdom.

4. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? In response, Jesus took the position of low ranking household servant a low ranking household servant and washed the disciples’ feet. This was a common practice…roads were dusty, shoes were open-toed Their feet were actually dirty! sandals. Their feet were actually dirty!

5. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? SIGNIFICANT LESSONS: privatepublic 1. This was private, not public No influence or praise to be gained. personal 2.This was personal This was not a “group” activity. It was an intentional act toward one person.

6. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? SIGNIFICANT LESSONS: pastoral. 3. This was a “top-down” act, rather than the lesser serving the greater. It was pastoral in nature. Dramatic departure from culture. peers 4.This was to be a pattern among peers, that is, “equals.” Novel concept for those who desired position or prominence

7. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? I. EVERYONE IS EQUAL AT THE CROSS A. Christianity does not automatically roles change roles in life; relationships It does change relationships no distinctions B. There are no distinctions in God’s love for mankind

8. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? I. EVERYONE IS EQUAL AT THE CROSS C. None are “good enough” deserve to deserve God’s grace None are “too bad” receive to receive God’s grace

9. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? II. BEING A SERVANT IS A DIRECT ASSAULT ON PRIDE ASSAULT ON PRIDE A. By “world’s” standard— Leader Leader is served by one of lesser position or importance diminished 1. Pride of being diminished to others misunderstood motivation 2. Pride of misunderstood motivation

10. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? II. BEING A SERVANT IS A DIRECT ASSAULT ON PRIDE ASSAULT ON PRIDE B. By “world’s” standard— Peers Peers fend for themselves position of equality 1. Pride of position of equality improper motivation 2. Pride of improper motivation

11. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? II. BEING A SERVANT IS A DIRECT ASSAULT ON PRIDE ASSAULT ON PRIDE PRIDE“nailed to the C. PRIDE must be “nailed to the cross” cross” so that the Christ-like spirit HUMILITY of HUMILITY will teach us to be servants

12. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF SERVANTHOOD SERVANTHOOD SINCERELY A. Serving SINCERELY

13. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF SERVANTHOOD SERVANTHOOD SPONTANEOUSLY B. Serving SPONTANEOUSLY

14. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF SERVANTHOOD SERVANTHOOD SENSITIVELY C. Serving SENSITIVELY

15. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF SERVANTHOOD SERVANTHOOD SYMPATHETICALLY D. Serving SYMPATHETICALLY

16. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF SERVANTHOOD SERVANTHOOD SECRETLY E. Serving SECRETLY

17. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF SERVANTHOOD SERVANTHOOD SACRIFICIALLY F. Serving SACRIFICIALLY

18. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF SERVANTHOOD SERVANTHOOD SHAMELESSLY G. Serving SHAMELESSLY

19. A THRONE OR A TOWEL? WHAT ARE YOU REACHING FOR? A THRONE OR OR A TOWEL?