In the Beginning: The Book of John (John 13:12-20[HCSB])

12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.

16 “I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 I’m not speaking about all of you; I know those I have chosen. But the Scripture must be fulfilled: The one who eats My bread has raised his heel against Me.

19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. 20 I assure you: Whoever receives anyone I send receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

As Jesus spells out what is to come so that (hopefully) the Disciples will remember and believe, He is also detailing His own relationship with the Father. This is a wonderful message about serving and not needing to be the center of attention.

Sidebar: There are many who have claimed to be supporting freedom of religion and doing God’s will these days, but what becomes clear is that those individuals are receiving their 15 minutes of fame. If we follow the news feeds it become obvious that Jesus is not the motivation. If anything is wrong with our faith, and truly antiChristian, this is it!

What are the teaching points in this monologue from Jesus at His last meal with His closest friends?

 Jesus has given us an example that we should do just as He has done.

 Jesus tells us “before it happens” so that we can believe Him.

 A slave is never greater than his master.

 A messenger is never greater than the one who sent him.

 The one who eats with Jesus is also the one who is against Him.

 Whoever receives those who Jesus sent receives Him.

 Whoever receives Jesus receives the Father.

Our belief in Jesus is simple enough, but it is a complicated relationship; add to this steadfast and faithful living, and you have a very tall order. This is extremely hard to do for even the most resolute among us. No wonder the Disciples were confused and overwhelmed by Jesus’ words and actions.

Even at His last meal, at a time of incredible stress, Jesus directs all attention to the Father.

If Jesus honors the Father, what is our mission?