Sermon Tone Analysis

Taking Up The Towel

John 13            February 23, 1997

 

Scripture:         Unison Reading, Pew Bible, page #1673, John 13:1-9.

Prayer:

 

Introduction:

 

          If you were Jesus, and had been teaching your 12 hand-picked students closely for the last 3 years, knowing you would have to bring your instruction to completion very soon because of your departure schedule, what would you teach them?

What singular event would seem to demonstrate all that you had tried to convey during your whirlwind tour?

After all, 3 years is not a long time to redirect a man’s lifetime, once separated from God, now called into service.

What would you show that would contain the very essence of your message, not only to your students, but to all mankind as your students go forth into the world to bring others into the service of God?  John 13 contains a summary example of Jesus’ teaching, not only to his disciples but to us as the continuation of a long line of disciples in training.

What was this supreme example?

It was that we should take up the towel.

But after his beautiful example, as always, there are reactions.

In order for teaching to be received, attitudes must change.

We must interface with the truth.

Some will receive it readily, some not at all, and some must be convinced.

All this we see here in this passage.

*I.

We must take up the towel; the example of Jesus.

(vv.

1-17)*

*          ( He dressed himself to serve.)*

* *

*          A.

Fullness  (v.

1)*

*                   1.

The fullness of time.*

*                   2.

The fullness of destiny.*

*                                      The only way to get out of this world is to die.*

*                   3.

The fullness of accomplishment.*

*                   4.

The fullness of example.*

*                                      The full extent of love is to serve.*

*          B.

Fact  (vv.

2-5)*

*                   1.

The fact of failure.*

*                                      How could the devil prompt Judas?

The sin                                         was already in his heart.*

*                                      Our failure does not limit God’s plan or power.

*

*                   2.

The fact of power.*

*                                      The assurance of power is the enablement of                                          service (meekness - power under control) even                                        to enemies.*

*                                      Jesus was well aware of his nature and mission.*

*                                      That knowledge prompted him to serve.*

*                   3.

The fact of service.

(Lk.

12:37)*

*                                      The object lesson.*

*                                      What was the lesson that they should                                                      understand?*

* *

*          C.

Individual Instruction  (vv.

6-11)*

*                   1.

The uncertainty.*

*                                      I don’t understand.*

*                                      Peter said, in effect, he did not want to learn it.*

*                   2.

The assurance.*

*                                      You will understand, but it might take some                                           time.*

*                   3.

The refusal.*

*                                      I don’t want to understand.*

*                                      (Pride doesn’t want to accept help.)*

*                                      “Lord, if I surrender to you, I’ll have to                                                  surrender to everyone.”*

*                   4.

The ultimatum.*

*                                      You must understand.*

*                                      Jesus said if Peter didn’t learn it then Peter had                                      no part with him.*

*                   5.

The surrender.*

*                                      Then teach me.*

*                                      Peter said, “If that’s the way it is then I want all                                     of you.”*

*                   6.

The explanation.*

*                                      Personal hygiene.*

*                                      Jesus said, “You already have all of me.”*

*                                      His lesson:  “Since you already have all of me,                                               you must give all of you.”

No part may be                                           withheld.*

*                   7.

The difference - between Peter and Judas.*

*                                      Judas never really cleaned up - got a bath.*

*                                      Did Jesus wash Judas’ feet?

It would add to his                                   condemnation.*

*                                      Jesus pronounced Peter clean even before his                                          betrayal.*

*                                      How did this foot washing demonstration                                                        connect with Judas’ betrayal?

It evidently                                            confirmed his uncleanness and yet also                                                   confirmed Peter’s cleanliness.

Whereas Peter                                                 erred in opposing it, Judas may have erred in                                              liking it too much.*

* *

*          D.

Group Instruction  (vv.

12-17)*

*                   1.       Completion.*

*                   2.       Reflection.*

*                   3.       Authority.*

*                   4.       Application.*

*                   5.       Example.*

*                   6.       Humility.*

*                             a.

No one can be a true servant without humility.*

*                             b.

Humble service gives a profound message.*

*                   7.       Blessing.*

* *

*II.

We must not throw in the towel; the tragedy of Judas.

(vv.

18-30)*

*          (Judas thought Jesus was all wet.)*

* *

*          A.

The blessing of service is only for those willing to be led into                 service.

Some, like Judas, would rather have others serve                         them.

However, it grew distasteful to him quickly.

We                         were created to serve God.

Judas is a picture of those                      visibly in the church but not spiritually in the church.

They                    may appear to be chosen but at some point they will be                         revealed.*

*                   1.       Horse illustration.*

*                   2.       Serving illustration.*

* *

*          B.

This truth was confirmed by prophecy fulfilled in the                                     betrayal of Jesus by Judas, who was not willing to serve,                      and who would not receive the blessing.*