150 likes | 401 Views
Chapter 13. Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13. The betrayal was a pivotal moment in the suffering of Jesus! “Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart…” (John 13:1; cf. 12:23). John 12 began the last week of Jesus’ life. John 13 begins the last 24 hours.
E N D
Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13 • The betrayal was a pivotal moment in the suffering of Jesus! • “Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart…” (John 13:1; cf. 12:23). • John 12 began the last week of Jesus’ life. John 13 begins the last 24 hours. • The betrayal set into motion the final events. • “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him” (13:31). • The betrayal led into the death, resurrection, ascension & coronation of Christ. • It was necessary that it be done (John 13:18), but troublesome nonetheless (13:21).
Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13 • Satan works little by little and doesn’t give up! • “The devil having already put it into the heart of Judas…to betray Him” (John 13:2). • Judas was not always under the influence of Satan, but the seed was planted! • The plotting had already begun before the feast (Luke 22:3-6)! • Judas willingly allowed Satan into his heart because of his love for money! • “Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him” (John 13:27). • Satan loves to inflame and spur on doubt, frustration, self-seeking, etc. • However, he cannot force one to violate his free will (cf. James 1:13-15).
Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13 • Satan works little by little and doesn’t give up! • The last four words of John 13:30 describe the condition of soul that Satan desires: • “And it was night.” Satan works best “at night” (cf. Ac. 26:18; Eph. 6:12; 1 Th. 5:5). • Judas was no longer walking in the light; he was now in great darkness (cf. 8:12). • But, even Satan’s best efforts cannot impede the will of God (John 13:20).
Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13 • God’s blessings are always conditional upon obedience (John 13:17; cf. Matt. 7:21). • Jesus knows you! • He knew what Judas was going to do when Judas thought he was hiding it (13:10-11). • Jesus knew Judas was not clean & that he was already betraying (10-11). • Jesus knew what Scripture said, too (John 13:18). • He knew what Peter was going to do before Peter knew it himself (John 13:38). • Jesus knew when Peter was going to do it – “before the rooster shall…crow…” • Jesus knew how many times he’d do it – “till you have denied Me three times.”
An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness” • Jesus loved His disciples deeply! • He “loved them to the end,” to the uttermost limits (John 13:1). • Jesus’ love is unparalleled in depth, breadth & length. • Jesus’ love is not affected by the failure or unworthiness of the recipients. • Jesus loved Judas (who would betray Him) and Peter (who would deny Him). • Unlike the Jews, He said the disciples would follow to heaven, just not now (33, 36).
An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness” • The disciples disputed often about greatness and who would be the greatest! • Near the middle of Jesus’ ministry (Matt. 18:1-4; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48). • Near the end of Jesus’ ministry (Matt. 20:20-28; Mk. 10:35-45). • Even in the upper room (Luke 22:24-30). • This provides the background to the events of John 13. • The disciples faced grave dangers: pride, self-seeking & worldly ambition. • In John 13, Jesus addressed this problem head on, in precept and example.
An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness” • Jesus, through an expression of His love, demonstrated the path to greatness! • Jesus knew fully His divine nature, divine mission and divine power (John 13:3). No one greater! • This emphasizes all the more the condescension of His lowly act! • Jesus & disciples met in upper room for Passover (Mk 14:14-16) • No host to properly greet them & no disciple volunteered to perform host duties. • They were all “too great” to stoop to the level of a servant (cf. John 13:16). • Having “all things into His hands,” Jesus took a towel and basin (John 13:3-5).
An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness” • Jesus, through an expression of His love, demonstrated the path to greatness! • Jesus performed the most menial task imaginable – washing dirt & grime from feet! • Peter asked, “Lord, are YOU washing MY feet?” (John 13:6). The absurdity! • Peter asserted, “YOU shall never wash MY feet!” (John 13:8). Impetuous! • Jesus washed Judas’ feet and Peter’s feet! Stop and think about that!
An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness” • Jesus, through an expression of His love, demonstrated the path to greatness! • Jesus explained His object lesson! • Jesus, our Teacher and Lord, teaches by precept and example (13:13-14). • Jesus gave an example, a pattern to follow (John 13:13-15). • “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have…you also ought to…” (John 13:14). • “You should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). • If the sovereign Master humbly & lovingly did the most menial tasks (3), • And, if “a servant is not greater than his master…” (John 13:16), • And, since “you know these things…” (John 13:17), • Then, you can & will only be blessed “if you do them” humbly (John 13:17). • To be in Christ & His kingdom & enjoy His blessings, must be humble (8). • Genuine greatness comes only through humble service (cf. Luke 22:26)!
An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness” • Jesus loved Judas! • “He loved them (including Judas) to the end” (John 13:2). • Jesus “knew who would betray Him” and still washed his feet (John 13:10-11). • Jesus “was troubled in spirit” about His betrayer, but didn’t scorn or single out (21).
An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness” • Jesus commands us to “love one another,” which requires humility (John 13:34-35)! • Loving one’s neighbor was not a new concept or commandment (cf. Lev. 19:18). • Jesus’ command to “love one another” was “new” because: • It has a greater breadth, width and scope (cf. Matt. 5:44). • It has the purest of motivations (cf. 1 John 3:16). • It has the greatest basis from which to measure (John 13:34, “as I have loved”). • It has the farthest effect (John 13:35, “all will know”). • The genuineness, humility and sacrificial nature of Jesus’ love must be our measure!
An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness” • Jesus commands us to “love one another,” which requires humility (John 13:34-35)! • Agape love is the unconditional, unselfish love that seeks the best for others. • The clearest Biblical definition of agape love can be found in Phil. 2:3-5. • This passage emphasizes the necessity of humility to be like the Lord! • True Christian love is the true badge of discipleship (13:35). • Agape love is that which distinguishes the Christian from the world. • Agape love is the one quality that Satan cannot imitate or fabricate. • “Love” is in the present tense, indicating continuous action. • We must keep on having love for one another. If we don’t, not genuine disciples.
How Chapter 13 Helps to Fulfill the Overall Purpose of the Gospel of John • “I Am” Statement: • “I am…Teacher and Lord” (13:13-14). • “Believe that I am” (13:19). • Fulfillment of O.T. Prophecies: • He would be betrayed (John 13:18; cf. Psa. 41:9). • Prophecies Jesus Made Himself: • Judas would betray (13:19, 21, 26); Peter deny (13:38).