The Disciples of Christ
10 - Some More Teaching
For the remainder of our study on "Christian Discipleship" I want you to look with me at the final teachings of the Lord Jesus about this very important subject. These will be found in the Gospel of John chapters 13 to 16. Chapter 12 of John’s Gospel records the end of the public witness of our Saviour. Sadly we read in verse 37 of that chapter that "Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe." How this reminds us of John’s words in chapter 1 verses 10 to 13: "He was in the world, and though the world was made by Him, the world did not recognise Him. He came to His own but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become the children of God. Children, born not of natural descent, nor of human decision, or a husband’s will, but born of God."
As you read through this study are you a believer? It’s possible to know all about the Lord Jesus Christ, and yet not know Him personally. In John chapter 3 verse 16 we read those wonderful words of our Saviour "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." You can become a believer, and a disciple or follower of the Lord Jesus right now - just where you are. You do this by confessing to God that you are a sinner, and are willing to turn away from your sin. Recognise that Jesus died on the cross to save sinners, and that He is waiting with arms outstretched to receive you as you come to Him by faith.
So, we come now to the Lord’s last instruction to His own disciples, as recorded in John chapters 13 to 16. This is often called "The upper room ministry." By way of introduction can I suggest that in Chapter 13 we discover "The Master’s Example", and in Chapter 14 "The Master’s Enlightenment." In Chapter 15 we discover "The Master’s Expectation", and in Chapter 16 "The Master’s Encouragement."
As we go through these chapters, in which the Master is teaching His disciples privately, we’ll find that He is preparing them in four ways.
First, for the lives they were to live after his departure.
Second, for the testimony they were to maintain in a needy world.
Third, for the service they were to carry out as His representatives.
And fourth, for the problems and persecutions they would experience as his followers.
Let’s consider now the first of those headings: “The Master’s Example”. You’ll find this in John chapter 13 verses 1 to 17. Verse 1 tells us that Jesus knew that His hour was come. In other words, here was the whole point and purpose of His unique, all embracing mission to mankind. The shadow of the cross was before Him. He was about to depart from this world to return to His Father. Verse 3 goes on to say, "And knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands..." What a statement that is! It includes: All authority - All power - All honour and All exaltation. And yet the verse continues and tells us that Jesus got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist and after that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet. He, the Master, stooped to serve His servants! We see then that Jesus commenced His teaching with an act of incomparable humility, selfless love and exemplary service.
The washing of feet like this was an old Jewish custom. It was also a ceremonial feature in the Old Testament tabernacle and temple service. This washing by the Lord Himself was designed to teach the disciples two things about the Christian experience. First, the need for cleansing from sin. Second, the need to serve one another with humility. We are reminded by John in his first letter chapter 1 verse 7 that: "The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses or purifies us from all sin." That cleansing is a once for all action, and it comes about at the time of new birth. However, you must also remember, that even as you seek to live for our Lord and Master, your feet, as it were, will be soiled every day with sin. So you need regularly to be washed by the water of the Word of God. You and I must recognise the vital importance of reading and applying the Scriptures to our lives every day.
Before we leave this lovely example of our Master, listen again to His words in verse 12: "Do you understand what I have done for you’, He asked them. ‘You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master. Now that you know these things you will be blessed if you do them."
Finally we discover in verse 34 these words of the Lord Jesus: "A new command I give you - love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." With these challenging words of Jesus Christ I close this talk, trusting that God will bless you as you seek to be a faithful disciple.