Walking in His Footsteps: Lessons from Jesus' Last Days (John 13-15)
Scripture Reading: John 13:1
"Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."
Introduction:
The Gospel of John dedicates a significant portion to the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, offering us a profound glimpse into His heart and mind as He approached the cross. In these pivotal chapters, we witness not only His impending sacrifice but also the enduring example He left for us to follow. Today, we will explore the key virtues Jesus exemplified in His last days, and how we are called to walk in His footsteps.
I. Walking in Love: Loving to the End (John 13:1; Romans 8:37; Galatians 2:20)
A. Jesus' Unwavering Love (John 13:1):
• "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."
• Jesus' love was not conditional or fleeting; it was a steadfast, sacrificial love that endured to the very end.
B. Love as Overcomers (Romans 8:37):
• "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
• His love empowers us to overcome the challenges of life, transforming us into more than conquerors.
C. Love as Inspiration (Galatians 2:20):
• "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
• Jesus' love should inspire us to live a life of selfless devotion and service.
II. Walking in Humility: The Servant's Heart (John 13:2-7; Philippians 2:3-8)
A. The Example of Foot Washing (John 13:2-7):
• Jesus, the Master, humbled Himself to wash the feet of His disciples, demonstrating the essence of true humility.
• He taught them that "a servant is not greater than his master."
B. The Humility of Christ (Philippians 2:3-8):
• "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
• Jesus' ultimate act of humility was His willingness to die on the cross, a sacrifice that should inspire us to embrace a servant's heart.
III. Walking in Confidence: Trusting in the Father (John 14:1-6; 13:3; 2 Timothy 1:8-12; Job 19:25)
A. Comfort and Assurance (John 14:1-6):
• "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"
• Jesus offered comfort and assurance to His disciples, reminding them of His Father's house and the promise of eternal life.
B. Knowing His Destiny (John 13:3):
• Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into his hand, and that he came from God and was going back to God.
• His confidence was rooted in his knowledge of his divine purpose.
C. The Assurance of Salvation (2 Timothy 1:8-12):
• Paul, like Jesus, expressed unwavering confidence in the gospel and the power of God.
D. The Redeemer Lives (Job 19:25):
• "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth."
• Job's declaration of faith echoes the confidence we should have in our Redeemer.
IV. Walking in Joy: The Joy Set Before Us (John 15:11; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 1:3-9)
A. Jesus' Joy (John 15:11):
• "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
• Jesus desired His joy to be fully realized in His disciples.
B. The Joy of the Cross (Hebrews 12:2):
• "For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
• Jesus endured suffering for the joy that was set before Him, the joy of our salvation.
C. The Joy of Salvation (1 Peter 1:3-9):
• "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy."
• We, too, should experience the inexpressible joy of salvation, a joy that sustains us through trials.
Conclusion:
In the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry, we see a perfect example of love, humility, confidence, and joy. These virtues are not merely historical relics; they are living principles that we are called to embody in our own lives. As we walk in His footsteps, let us love sacrificially, serve humbly, trust unwaveringly, and rejoice in the hope of our salvation. May the example of Jesus' last days inspire us to live lives that reflect His glory and bring honor to His name. Amen.
