A THRONE
OR
A TOWEL?
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
JOHN 13:3-17
PLEASE READ ALONG
IN YOUR PERSONAL BIBLE
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
The account of Jesus washing the
disciples’ feet is found only in the
Gospel of John.
The disciples were still debating about
who would be the “greatest” when Christ
came into His Kingdom.
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
In response, Jesus took the position of
a low ranking household servant and
washed the disciples’ feet.
This was a common practice…roads
were dusty, shoes were open-toed
sandals. Their feet were actually dirty!
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
SIGNIFICANT LESSONS:
1. This was private, not public
No influence or praise to be gained.
2. This was personal
This was not a “group” activity. It was
an intentional act toward one person.
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
SIGNIFICANT LESSONS:
3. This was a “top-down” act, rather than
the lesser serving the greater. It was
pastoral in nature.
Dramatic departure from culture.
4. This was to be a pattern among peers,
that is, “equals.”
Novel concept for those who desired
position or prominence
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
I. EVERYONE IS EQUAL AT THE CROSS
A. Christianity does not automatically
change roles in life;
It does change relationships
B. There are no distinctions in God’s
love for mankind
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
I. EVERYONE IS EQUAL AT THE CROSS
C. None are “good enough”
to deserve God’s grace
None are “too bad”
to receive God’s grace
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
II. BEING A SERVANT IS A DIRECT
ASSAULT ON PRIDE
A. By “world’s” standard—
Leader is served by one of lesser
position or importance
1. Pride of being diminished to others
2. Pride of misunderstood motivation
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
II. BEING A SERVANT IS A DIRECT
ASSAULT ON PRIDE
B. By “world’s” standard—
Peers fend for themselves
1. Pride of position of equality
2. Pride of improper motivation
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
II. BEING A SERVANT IS A DIRECT
ASSAULT ON PRIDE
C. PRIDE must be “nailed to the
cross” so that the Christ-like spirit
of HUMILITY will teach us to be
servants
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF
SERVANTHOOD
A. Serving SINCERELY
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF
SERVANTHOOD
B. Serving SPONTANEOUSLY
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF
SERVANTHOOD
C. Serving SENSITIVELY
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF
SERVANTHOOD
D. Serving SYMPATHETICALLY
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF
SERVANTHOOD
E. Serving SECRETLY
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF
SERVANTHOOD
F. Serving SACRIFICIALLY
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
III. PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF
SERVANTHOOD
G. Serving SHAMELESSLY
A THRONE OR A TOWEL?
WHAT ARE YOU
REACHING FOR?
A THRONE
OR
A TOWEL?