CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you know these things, blessed are you“ – John 13:17

CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN ACTION – “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)

The phrase “if you”, as it applies to you (and me) as a disciple of Jesus, appears one hundred twenty-four times in the English Standard Version (ESV) of the New Testament.

First, we will be confronted with various situations and circumstances from the Bible and, we will discover how we are to respond in these examples. Secondly, I have personalized (rephrased) our study verses for you to memorize. By this, we can bring the Gospel to life as we go and defeat sin along our way.

Today we, as Christians, are confronted with questions about how we should deal with matters such as humility, servanthood, authority, obedience.

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)

IN CONTEXT

“Then He poured water into the basin, and began washing the disciples’ feet and wiping them with the towel which He had tied around Himself. So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, You are washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not realize right now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no place with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet; otherwise he is completely clean. And you are clean—but not all of you.” For He knew the one who was betraying Him; it was for this reason that He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

 “Then, when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’; and you are correct, for so I am. So, if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example, so that you also would do just as I did for you. Truly, truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17).

REPHRASED and personalized to memorize:

“Because I know these things, blessed am I when I do them.” (John 13:17)

Jesus literally washed the feet of His disciples in an example of humility of a leader, a teacher, or anyone who chooses to be in subjective obedience to God the Father.

This is also illustrative of the attitude every Christian, and every disciple and follower of Christ, must possess and exhibit – in every aspect of their life.

I am sad to observe, even while in a church service or church related activity, that the vast majority of professing Christians possess a “me first attitude”. Albeit polite, the Church is  absent the very characteristics and qualities Jesus possessed, taught and displayed when it comes to humility and servitude. These missing character qualities render the Church weak and impotent, especially when it comes to the weightier things of God.

If you and I wish to receive and possess the greater things in life, all of which come from the Hand of God, you must first “Give, and it will be given to you. Others will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For it is by your standard of measure that it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38)

It is the only way.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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