Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 13 – the witness of the basin and the towel – “Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”

The washing of guest’s feet entering a home was a responsibility reserved for the least favored servant. Yet, Jesus, the Son of God, who shortly will offer His life as the only sacrifice that would atone for the sins of the world, washes the feet of each of the apostles.   After performing the washings Jesus told them  he did this as an example that they should do as He did – offer humble service (with the indication they would be blessed in doing so).    Never before had a basin and towel been used to wash feet by someone who deserved to have His feet washed (as Mary did in chapter 12).   If these objects had the ability to speak imagine what would say.    Perhaps they would repeat the words of Jesus in verse 34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples.”  Do you know a God that is capable of such love?

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 12 – the witness of Mary, the sister of Lazarus – “Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair.

Mary had 3 opportunities to show us how important Jesus is to her:

• Although not included In John’s Gospel, in Luke chapter 10 she sat at the feet of Jesus while He taught, probably the only woman in a room full of men.  His words and teaching were just that important to her that she would defy tradition and convention.

• In John chapter 11 – she went quickly to Jesus when He called her as she was mourning the death of her brother.   And her mourning soon became amazement, belief and joy as her brother walked out of the tomb (see previous post)

• Here in chapter 12 – she displays such love, humility and devotion in how she honors Jesus.

She had heard much and seen much and she was very sure of who Jesus is.  Are you?

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 11 – the witness of Lazarus – “Lazarus, come forth!”

Many have made outrageous claims and then nothing comes of them.  But Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this? (v25-26)”    Lazarus who Jesus loved had been dead four days and had been entombed in a cave.   His sister Mary and Martha were mourning his death and many of their friends had come to console them.

All it took from Jesus was three words, “Lazarus, come forth!” and as we’re told in v44,   “He who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings; and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.  Jesus said to them, “Unbind him and let him go.”   Lazarus became living proof of Jesus’ claim and many who had witnessed this believed as did others who heard the Lazarus had been raised.  And in just a short while, Jesus’ own resurrection would further substantiate His claims for all those who will believe.  Do you believe this?

Gospel of John - Examine the Witnesses

Chapter 10 – the witness of the sheep - “But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep.  My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Jesus is once again speaking to the Jewish leaders and using a familiar example – sheep.  He says He is the Good Shepherd who lays His life down for His sheep (v11,15), not like the persons hired to watch over the flock (the Jewish leaders v12-13)  who flee when the wolf comes or the thieves who try to steal them.

Here’s what Jesus says about Himself as the Good Shepherd:

•   He guards the entrance to the sheep fold as the living gate (v7) and protects His sheep
•   His sheep know His voice, He calls them each by their name and leads them (v3-4)
•   His sheep will not follow a strangers voice (v5)
•   He has other sheep (you) to bring into the fold (16)

His invitation, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.” (v9)     If you’d like to know more about the Good Shepherd, read Psalm 23.