The Gospel of John – So That You May Believe and Have Life
Part 34 – Pick Up the Towel
John 13:1–17
As we come to our study of chapter 13, Jesus’ public ministry to Israel has ended with a final invitation to people to believe he is the Son of God, sent by God to be GOD WITH US, who is here to save us from the consequences of our sin.
Now Jesus’ focus is on his followers who believe in him. In chapters 13–17, Jesus turned from his public ministry to those who rejected him, to his private ministry to those who received him.
The discrepancy between John and the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) regarding the day when the Passover meal happened…
John 13:1-5 and the reason for washing people’s feet…
John 13:6-8 and Jesus’ response that points to the cross and the meaning of that for Peter and the disciples whose feet Jesus washes…
John 13:9-11 and Jesus clarifies what he means…
John 13:12-17
Jesus teaches them the lesson he wants them to learn, which is the importance of humble, loving service. In other words, to be like Jesus requires sacrifice, which means taking up the lesser role for the benefit of someone else. AND THAT INCLUDES EVEN OUR ENEMIES — because that is what Jesus did.
The towel is a symbol of Jesus’ life.
See Philippians 2:6-11…
Philippians 2:1-5
The towel is a symbol for Jesus’ followers.
Taking It Home
We encourage you to take a few minutes today and this week to process this morning’s message. These questions are designed for discussion with your family, a friend, mentor, spouse, and small group. They are also useful for self-reflection.
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What stands out to you in these passages from the Bible? From the message?
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What is difficult for you to understand or accept in these passages from the Bible? From the message?
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What is God saying in these passages and through what we heard in the message about Himself? About people? About you?
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What examples are there to follow, commands to obey, or promises to stand on from these passages in the Bible, and from what we heard in the message?
