Expressions Of Love

As I recited from memory the following scripture, I also washed the feet of a male teen on stage for dramatic effect. It added greatly to the message.

John 13

1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me ’Teacher’ and ’Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Turn with me to

Matthew 26

We started out this journey to the cross by standing along side the road as Jesus made his Triumphal Entry. Palm branches, Hosanna in the Highest, Blessed be the One who comes in the name of the Lord.

Last week the scene changed to Jesus’ living classroom as we learned some very important lessons about life from the master teacher.

This week we are in the upper room.

Jesus shows the full extent of his love, the Word says.

Let’s see what happens next-

20When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me."

22They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"

23Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

25Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"

Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."

26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom."

30When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

A. Service is an expression of Love.

We live in a self-service world.

Self service gas stations.

Self service fast food.

Now you can even check yourself out at the grocery store.

We have totally lost the idea of service in our society today.

Yet Jesus reminds us of the value of service as he humbly washed his disciples feet. And when he is done with this task he tells his disciples "Now that I, your teacher and Lord, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet."

Jesus was the Son of God.

He knew he was from God.

He knew he was returning to God.

He knew that God had put all things under his power.

He deserved to be able to stay in heaven and never have to leave to come to earth for you and I.

He deserved to have the angels waiting on him night and day.

He deserved the very best, the very highest, the most glorious.

He deserved to have the chief seat at the pass over meal.

He was the guest of honor.

But Jesus wanted to share a message with his disciples that power and position are not nearly as strong and meaningful to God as is love. Love, love, love. It always has been and always will be about love. The entire Bible is a love story, God loving mankind and doing whatever it takes to save them.