So far, our Lenten journey has taken us to the wilderness, the synagogue, the seaside, and to a city called Jericho. The next main event will be Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday which we will cover next week. Today, we’ll jump ahead in Jesus’ journey and look at an aspect of His character that sustained Him throughout–our Lord’s great love.
It is important to recognize that the writers of the four gospels had their personal experiences with Jesus and that the Holy Spirit led each one to express their thoughts through their personalities. These unique presentations of Jesus may be viewed as four works of art. Matthew, a Jewish man, paints a detailed portrait of Jesus with many references to his historical Jewish faith. Perhaps guided by Peter, Mark gives us snapshots of Jesus’ life that move quickly from one scene to another, full of action. Luke, the only non-Jewish writer, presents a documentary. His voice is silent as he relies upon meticulous eyewitness testimony to tell the story. John, “the disciple that Jesus loved,” takes an approach akin to a home movie. John exposes intimate moments in Jesus’ life, like the family dynamics at the wedding in Cana (John 2). In John’s gospel, Jesus spends time with individuals like Nicodemus (John 3) as well as a hopeless paralytic (John 4) and a man blind from birth (John 9). Jesus interacts with women who drew water from a well (John 4), who grieved at a funeral (Mary and Martha in John 11), and who was caught in a shameless act (John 8). One woman, Mary Magdalene, was the first to see Him alive after His resurrection (John 20). In our passage today, John takes us inside Jesus’ last meal with His disciples and shows us the very heart of our Lord once again.
Read John 13:1-20.
Before we go on, notice John’s commentary on the previous crowd scene back in John 12:43. Some believed in Jesus but were afraid to acknowledge it openly. John concludes: “they loved human praise more than praise from God.” Jesus’ disciples will fall to this same temptation, and beginning with Judas, they would all leave Him. Even though Jesus knew this was going to happen, He loved His disciples and showed it by washing their feet. Even when all others fell away from him, Jesus kept the goal of His Father’s praise in mind. How about you? Do you love human praise more than praise from God? What makes love so praiseworthy in God’s eyes?
Write down what Jesus knew in 13:1. What did He choose to do as a result?
Now, write down what Jesus knew in 13:3. What did He choose to do as a result? How do Jesus’ actions show that He loved praise from God more than human praise?
How would you describe Simon Peter’s interaction with Jesus washing his feet in 13:6-10? Why do you think Peter did not want Jesus to wash His feet? How was Jesus’ action a gesture of love? Have you ever rejected someone’s gesture of love because it was uncomfortable?
How does Jesus explain what He has done in 13:10-17? What does Jesus expect His disciples to do in response (13:14)? Do you take this literally? Those whom He loves, Jesus washes clean. This is not about dirt on the outside. It’s about the purity of what is inside, in our hearts. With His cleansing touch, only the Lord Jesus can make our hearts clean from the sin that mars it. What is the condition of your heart?
Those who love open themselves up to hurt. What are Jesus’ sorrowful words in 13:18 and also 21? Have you been hurt because you have loved? Take heart, for you are like Jesus.
Why does Jesus tell His disciples what is going to happen in 13:19-20? How does this show His love? Are there areas in your life where you love praise from other people more than praise from God? Every time we choose to love others, we hear God whisper, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Now that you have learned about Jesus washing his disciples' feet in our passage, why not put it into practice during Holy Week this year? Traditionally, we incorporate Jesus’ practice of foot washing on Maundy Thursday (April 14). Be on the lookout for an opportunity to receive texts that will guide you through Holy Week, 2022.
*All Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version of the Bible.
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Lent is a season on the Christian calendar that helps us prepare for Easter when we will celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The word Lent means “Fortieth.” This is why the Lenten season begins 40 days before Easter. The number 40 is significant in that it parallels the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert where He was tempted by the devil. Luke tells us that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness (see also Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1). During Lent, Christians replicate the self-sacrifice and withdrawal that Jesus endured in the desert. We then follow Jesus on His journey to the cross.
Lent is a season on the Christian calendar that helps us prepare for Easter when we will celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The word Lent means “Fortieth.” This is why the Lenten season begins 40 days before Easter. The number 40 is significant in that it parallels the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert where He was tempted by the devil. Luke tells us that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness (see also Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1). During Lent, Christians replicate the self-sacrifice and withdrawal that Jesus endured in the desert. We then follow Jesus on His journey to the cross.
During this Lenten season, we’ll be focusing on some of the things we believe the Spirit is saying to Northland as a church. You’ll be hearing about these topics in our weekend sermons and in the accompanying Bible studies. But, we also want those who desire a more personal Lenten experience to hear from the Spirit and follow Jesus in new ways during this time. Our prayer is that you’ll attend a service each weekend during Lent and also engage with the Bible every day. If you commit to doing this, you will meet the Holy Spirit as your Guide and Sustainer and you will grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior.
» April 9-10
JOURNEY | Power Misunderstood | Discipleship Pastor Gus Davies
» April 15
JOURNEY | Famous Last Words - Good Friday | Care & Counseling Pastor John Tardonia
» April 9-10
JOURNEY | Power Misunderstood | Discipleship Pastor Gus Davies
» April 15
JOURNEY | Famous Last Words - Good Friday | Care & Counseling Pastor John Tardonia
Sunday, April 10 after the 11 a.m. worship service
Baptism is an outward expression of our inward faith and a declaration to the world that we've chosen to follow Jesus Christ. It signifies the washing away of the old life and helps solidify our commitment as followers of Jesus Christ. If you have never been baptized before this is your chance to take this step of obedience in Christ!
Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There is a holy silence that falls between the death of Jesus on the cross on Good Friday and the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Throughout church history, this day has come to be known as Holy Saturday. Northland commemorates this somber day by providing a walk-through experience in our foyer. This interactive and meditative event is suitable for individuals, families, and small groups. Join us as we experience Holy Saturday together.
Sunday, April 17 at 9 & 11 a.m.
Jesus’ promise to the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43, “Today, you will be with Me in paradise” is the same for you and me. When we accept His invitation to believe in Him, we will be with Him now and forever. This is indeed, good news and worthy of celebration! Join us this Easter where Pastor Josh will deliver the message!
