345-He Promised to Love You Forever#
345-He Promised to Love You Forever
(JP Text Group - Huang Jihong Compilation)
John 13:1-17
1 Before the Passover, Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean. 12 When 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. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Let us start with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank and praise you! Thank you for giving us this time to gather together to worship and praise you. We commit this time into the hands of the Holy Spirit, asking for your personal help and provision. You know each person's needs and what we truly require in our hearts. You provide us with strength in due time. As we begin a new week, may we view life and those around us through the love of Jesus Christ. Please supply every brother and sister seeking you through your words. In the name of our Lord Jesus, we pray, Amen!
The topic we are sharing is: He Promised to Love You Forever.
Do you know that only the love of Jesus and the love of our Heavenly Father is a love that lasts forever? We say that parental love may be the greatest, but it is conditional. Once children are disobedient or do not get what they want, they may become disheartened and unwilling to continue giving that love.
Only the love of the Heavenly Father loves you no matter what. No matter who you are, where you are, or how downcast you may be, His love never diminishes. This is the love of our Heavenly Father. Moreover, He promises us that He will love you forever! To love you forever means that regardless of how you treat Him, whether you understand or not, His love for you has never decreased.
Through this passage, let us share how Jesus loved His disciples and set an example for us. The Palestinian region is in a desert area, with two-thirds of Israel being desert. Their roads are not as clean as ours; they are very dirty. On dry days, there is a lot of dust on the roads, and when it rains, it becomes muddy. At that time, people wore shoes similar to our summer sandals. Such shoes could neither prevent dust nor mud, so every household would place a large stone jar at the door to wash their hands and feet when they returned.
In this passage, before the Passover, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Jesus did something; He wanted to love this group of disciples. You know, Jesus and His disciples were a small team, and everyone was a servant, but who was the true servant? It was Jesus who served.
Jesus' work was to teach everyone to know the truth and to live out the truth. The disciples had followed Him for three and a half years, yet it seemed they still did not understand how to live out this truth, which is to live a life of love. No one was willing to take the initiative to wash others' feet. Don't forget, they had just finished eating, and no one had washed their feet. This was very abnormal.
As I mentioned earlier, washing hands and feet should be the first thing done upon entering a home. Now that Jesus and the disciples had finished eating, and no one had washed their hands or feet, it indicated that no one was willing to serve. It wasn't that there was no water or towels; it was that no one was willing to stand up. Everyone might think, "We know a lot already; we understand what Jesus taught." But now, who is willing to live it out? This is the example Jesus wanted to set for us, and it is a profoundly meaningful act.
First point: Jesus loves us forever.
John 13:1: Before the Passover, Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
Brothers and sisters, Jesus knew He was about to return, and He loved those who belonged to Him in the world. Who are those who belong to Jesus? Those who believe in Jesus. Anyone willing to believe in Jesus belongs to Him. Now, Jesus wants to love them forever. Currently, there are two types of people: the first type is those who follow Jesus; the second type has not yet had the chance to follow Him. Regardless of which type, Jesus wants to love them forever, especially the twelve disciples who currently follow Him.
Now, consider another question: What does it mean to love us forever? Jesus' love is unconditional, holy, and self-sacrificing! Jesus wants to love a person named Judas Iscariot. Did Jesus know that Judas would betray Him? Yes. But if it were you, knowing that there was a traitor in your team who would betray you and tell your enemies your whereabouts, leading them to crucify you, would you still serve him?
This is not a doctrine to be preached to others; it is an action of love. In Jesus Christ, we are never just learning a bunch of doctrines, which would turn us into Pharisees who are unyielding. In Christ, we are to follow in His footsteps, seeing how He loves us so that we can live a life of love. The greatness of Jesus is that He knows everything, yet He still loves us. This is what it means to love us forever, Amen.
He knows all your problems, all your sins, and that you will betray Him. In moments of doubt, you may curse Him or not believe in Him. Yet Jesus says, "I still love you!" It is this love that moves us to willingly follow Jesus, Amen. It is not that Jesus gives us a set of grand principles; there are many people in the world who can speak well. Throughout history, there have been countless great philosophers who spoke with great reasoning, but when we truly needed love, those people were not there. However, Jesus was there.
Jesus' disciples appear in this world to represent Him. When those around you, your brothers and sisters, have problems, they do not need a bunch of doctrines; they need you to love them like Jesus does. The greatest love in the world is to lay down one's life for others. So far, this is the greatest love in the world. And Jesus knows that someone is going to betray Him, yet He can still love him. Therefore, Jesus' love absolutely transcends all human love for us.
Why does Jesus have such love? Do not say it is because He is the Son of God, or because He is God. It is not like that. If it were, we would find a reasonable excuse for ourselves, saying, "I cannot live like Jesus because I am not Jesus." Why does Jesus have such great love? It is because He knows who He is. Jesus knows that the time has come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father, and before He leaves, He wants to truly express the love of the Heavenly Father.
In John 13:3, it says that Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power and that He had come from God and was returning to God.
Brothers and sisters, it is this understanding of the Father that allows Jesus to love His enemies, to lay down His life for His enemies, and to love all people. Jesus' heart is filled with love; He wants to love His disciples and love them forever. Only when you understand that the Father has also entrusted all things to you and that you know you have come from God and are returning to God can you live out the love of Jesus. Therefore, we must first understand whether what you receive is a bunch of doctrines and theological ideas or the love of Jesus. If you receive the love of Jesus, the more you receive, the more you will live it out, Amen.
Jesus knows who He is. Where does He come from? From God. Where is He going? Back to God. What is His purpose in coming to this world? It is to lay down His life for us, to love us, Amen. Do you know where you come from? From God. Where are you going? Back to the Kingdom of Heaven. What are you doing in this world? If you do not understand this, you might say, "I am just passing the days, living one day at a time, barely surviving, waiting for death to bring relief." This is the state of the world.
You are not such an existence; your existence is very meaningful. To live in this world like Jesus means to receive Jesus' love and to live out Jesus' love! The more you receive, the more you can live it out. Otherwise, knowing a lot of knowledge will not save you or bring you joy. We can watch a funny movie or a play that brings us a bit of joy, but it quickly fades away. However, if you receive the love of Jesus, you can truly love all those around you.
Let’s look at a passage of scripture to see what kind of existence Jesus is.
Colossians 1:15-17
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Now do you know who you believe in? The Jesus you believe in has such great power. He may seem inconspicuous, but all things exist because of Him. All things continue to exist because of Him. All powers in the world, both visible and invisible, are in the hands of Jesus. This is the God you believe in. What gives Him the right to serve you? Do you think you are worthy of having Him serve you? What can He gain from you? The only explanation is that He loves you. Because He loves you, He is such an existence.
If He does not serve you, is He not the Lord of all? If He does not love you, is He not God? Many people find it strange and say, "Lord, if you do not love me, if you do not fulfill this prayer, I will not believe in you..." Does God suffer a loss? No. Even when we are sad, we say, "Lord, I do not believe in your existence; I curse you..." Does God lose anything because you are angry? No, He does not lose a bit.
Brothers and sisters, believing in Him brings you blessings; relying on Him brings you blessings; letting Him serve you brings you blessings. Today, when you serve Him, you are blessed. Do you know? Anyone who has any connection with Jesus is blessed because He is such an existence.
What can we do? First, willingly let Jesus serve you. What kind of person can willingly let Jesus serve them? First, acknowledge that you cannot. Which of these things can you do? Can you? You say, "I really cannot." Then start believing in Jesus from now on. He is before all things, and all things hold together through Him. It is this Lord who lived with the disciples for three and a half years. However, a problem arose when they went to a house to eat; no one treated Him as the Lord. Everyone was eating their own food. After the meal, the Lord of all stood up to serve them.
John 13:4-5
4 So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
From the scriptures we just read, do you know who Jesus is? The Lord of all, the ruler of everything, Amen. Yet this Lord of all now acts like a servant, taking off His clothes and wrapping a towel around His waist. Do you know what kind of attire this is? When you go to a restaurant, do you see such a dress? The waiter has a towel over his shoulder or around his waist, smiling and asking, "What would you like to eat?" That is a servant. But now, the one who serves the disciples is the Lord of all.
To put it in simpler terms, it would be like the president of a country coming to wash your feet. Is that normal? No. We should think, "If the president comes, I would rather wash his feet." But now, the Lord of all has been with the disciples for three and a half years, yet the disciples did not believe He had such great power and such a noble identity. If they truly realized that Jesus is such an existence, who would dare to betray Him? Judas Iscariot certainly did not think Jesus had any great power.
Just like how the world sees you today, saying, "I do not see any power in you." But do you know? Others may look down on you, but you must not look down on yourself. You must receive the assurance that comes from God and the love that comes from God to live freely in this world, Amen. The world may misunderstand you and condemn you, but you must not condemn yourself or misidentify who you are. Who are you? Last time we talked about it, you are the beloved child of God; you have an identity, Hallelujah.
Only when we know we have an identity will we not compare ourselves with others. Only when we know that all things are in our hands can our service be willingly given. If we have nothing and see someone who has everything, serving them will definitely have a purpose, right? If you have everything and come to serve me, it can only mean one thing: you love me. There is no other explanation. Now Jesus stands up, takes off His clothes, wraps a towel around His waist, pours water into a basin, and begins to wash the disciples' feet.
You can picture this scene: in the Jewish region, everyone is gathered around a table, their feet pointing outward, reclining as they eat, with their feet all sticking out. Now they are all resting. Jesus stands up to wash feet, and no one finds it unusual. One person, who seems to have a bit of spiritual insight, says, "Jesus, are you going to wash my feet, Lord?" He realizes something is not quite right. Jesus replies, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." Peter, feeling justified, says, "Then, Lord, wash my whole body!"
Did you notice? They did not recognize who was washing their feet. Do you realize what kind of God Jesus is? The one who created all things, who transcends all powers, both visible and invisible, is in the hands of Jesus, yet He wants to serve you. He wants to serve you to show you that the laws of the Kingdom of Heaven are different from those on earth, Amen.
Let’s revisit the scenario: if Jesus were to wash Judas Iscariot's feet, could you do it? You would want to strangle him, thinking, "You are about to sell me out; how can I wash your feet?" Many times, when we are serving, if someone hurts us a little, we feel wronged and think, "Why should I tolerate you? Why should I forgive you?" We do not realize how the Lord has endured and forgiven us.
In other words, if you do not know Jesus' love for you, you will never be willing to forgive others. You may feel superior to others, but in this world, there is only one person who is truly superior, and that is Jesus. Yet He does not act that way; that is true superiority. He has truly reached the pinnacle; everything is the greatest, so He willingly comes to serve us. Washing the feet of the one who would betray Him is something that human strength cannot do. But in the laws of the Kingdom of Heaven, who can be in the highest position?
The Bible says in Deuteronomy 28:13, "If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will be the head, not the tail; you will be above, not below."
This is a promise under the Old Testament law. If you keep all the laws, God will make you the head and not the tail, above and not below. When Jesus took on our sins on the cross and fulfilled the law, the blessings that follow have already been given to you. I want to ask everyone a question: if God has already given you this authority and qualification, do you want to be the head and not the tail, above and not below? Do you really want that? Good.
Think about what it means to be the head and not the tail, to be above and not below. Many people think that being the head means being the boss in the world, making others do what you say, and ensuring that no one can deny or belittle you. Is that what you want to be the head?
What does it mean to be above and not below? If everyone goes out to eat, the highest position is mine, and no one else can sit there. If anyone dares to sit with me, I will get angry... Is that how the world works? So, what do you want when you say you want to be the head and not the tail?
Let’s look at Mark 10:42-45 together.
42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Since you are people of the Kingdom of Heaven, shouldn’t you live according to the laws of the Kingdom? If so, you will surely live out the likeness of Jesus in this world. You cannot say, "I am a person of the Kingdom of Heaven," and then live by worldly ways, wanting to be the head without wanting to do anything, just wanting to be in the highest position without lifting a finger. That would be the very definition of a Pharisee.
Jesus is not like that. Jesus does not want us to live that way. He gives them the way of the Kingdom and the way of the earth, allowing them to choose to live by the way of the Kingdom. The Gentiles are of the earth. The Gentiles have rulers who lord it over them and high officials who exercise authority over them.
Why do those in high positions, whether kings or officials, exercise authority over those below them? They must learn the art of power. Kings must learn the art of kingship, using cunning to ensnare people and manipulate their hearts, hoping that they will serve them. This is what those in high positions desire. But if we think about Jesus, why does He not strive for the highest position while the people crown Him as the highest? Because He is doing one thing: serving everyone.
If you want your business to grow, think about how much help this product can bring to people. If it can help 100 people, eventually it will help 100,000 people, and your product will surely sell well and gain great fame. But if you think, "If I sell to 100,000 people, how much money can I make?" Rest assured, you will not last long.
The principle Jesus speaks of is from the Kingdom of Heaven, but it will certainly work on earth. What works on earth will not work in the Kingdom of Heaven because it is all selfish. If such a selfish idea goes to the Kingdom, it is better to live on earth. In the Kingdom, everyone thinks of others like Jesus, Amen.
The law of the Kingdom is that among you, it is not like this. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. After eating, there were 13 people: the 12 disciples plus Jesus. Who is the greatest? Is it because Jesus is the Son of God? Is it because He can heal the sick? No. It is because He can stand up, take a towel, and serve these 12 people, even serving Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him. That is why He is great, Amen.
Do you want to be the top person in your company? Then think about how to benefit all the employees. It is not about giving the boss some money or giving some employees some money to win votes. That will not last long. Truly bringing help to everyone makes you great.
For example, the father of hybrid rice, Yuan Longping, why does no one dare to say, "I am more capable than you" in front of him? Because your contribution is not as great as his. He does not need to promote how much he has done; everyone already knows in their hearts. In front of him, everyone feels the need to bow down to him because of his tremendous contribution to the world.
Shouldn't Christians be like this? Knowing that God has made you the head and not the tail, above and not below, opens your mind to how many people you can benefit. How many people can the truths you know help? How many people can you love without expecting anything in return? Rest assured, God will lift you up; no one will be higher than you. When Jesus thought this way, our Heavenly Father lifted Him to the highest place, right? Brothers and sisters.
This is the law of the Kingdom: whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. Is it like this in the church? Whether it is the pianist, the preacher, or the pastor, it is not about standing in this position; it is about how much help you can bring to others. When brothers and sisters have problems, are you willing to pray for them? Are you willing to give for them? If you are willing to do this, then God will remember you, and your brothers and sisters will remember you, Amen.
Whether in the world or in the church, this principle is universal. Among you, whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all, Hallelujah. Now, do I seem like a servant? You are all sitting there, but I am standing here. Why am I standing? To serve you, but I am willing to do so because I am happy to share the truths I know with you. You sit down first, receive this truth, and when you stand up, you can serve those who are sitting down. And when some people are weak and lying down, what should you do? You pull them up. Don’t let yourself fall down too; that means both of you are weak. Standing up is being strong, Amen.
He is serving. Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." This statement is not just talk; He truly did it. For more than three years, He continuously built up the 12 disciples, encouraging them, comforting them, and helping them grow with the truth. Now, He is about to return.
These disciples seem to have received only some theories; they have learned a lot, but no one truly understands what Jesus' heart is like. During the Passover, Jesus stood up as the Son of Man and washed each disciple's feet. This act proves that Jesus loves them forever, even though they have been trained for more than three years and their lives seem to have made little progress. Yet Jesus still loves them, Amen.
If you have been training your child for a long time and there are still no results, do not get angry. Be like Jesus, for the time has not yet come. Some people may just take longer to bear fruit. Just like how I view you, it does not matter; over three years, you will surely bear fruit because of the Holy Spirit. It is not that I hope you will change; saying it every day will not change you. The most feared thing in the world is nagging; the more you nag, the more they will go in the opposite direction. Jesus never nagged; He just did it. This is the power of example, Amen.
Let’s look at another passage in Revelation 1:12-13.
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.
Is this not how Jesus appears after His death and resurrection? Why did Jesus come? What is He here to do? Dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet, with a golden sash around His chest? This is the appearance of a servant. Many people may think that when they reach the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus will sit on a high throne and say, "You, do this; you, do that..." Just like the kings on earth. In fact, it is the opposite. When you truly reach the Kingdom of Heaven, you will find that although Jesus is full of glory, He still appears as a servant. His service extends from Adam to all the children of God until the end of the world. This is the law of the Kingdom of Heaven, Amen.
He has always been serving. It is not that our Jesus is great because He is the Son of God or because He died for my sins on the cross. Shouting these slogans is useless; He truly did these things. When you were worthless and had nothing, He still did not abandon you. This is the love of Jesus for you forever.
Only when you continually think about this love can you produce actions of love. Therefore, I am not here to teach you more doctrines. If you have heard a lot of grace doctrines and knowledge, can we not be like Jesus? He already knows everything and has everything, yet He still serves the disciples.
How do we serve? Every week when you come to church, you receive the truth. After hearing it, can you share this truth with others and love them? This is the key. It is not about hearing something new every time. It is about coming each time, receiving strength from Jesus when you are weak, and then going out with that strength to do things. Jesus comes to serve you; you come, and Jesus serves you. Among you, there are those who are weak and sick; everyone can pray for them together. Once they stand up, we can support those who are weak. Is that not how it should be? This is a big family.
This is the specific application of the truth. If every time you come, you say, "I know this; I have heard this; you are talking about faith today, or love; you are talking about healing," it should not be like that. We receive these truths and say, "Lord, today I receive this love and am willing to love others." This is the part we need to receive. We must know that Jesus loves you forever, not just by teaching you a set of theories but by truly bringing out actions of this truth.
Second point: Only when your heart is filled with love can you give love.
John 13:12, After he had washed their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.
Now I ask you, do you understand everything Jesus has done? Many churches imitate Jesus washing the disciples' feet on a special day, saying, "Brothers, everyone take a basin and wash each other's feet." But while washing, they end up fighting. Why does this happen? Are their feet too smelly?
Do you know why Jesus did this?
He later said, "I am your Teacher, and I serve you this way; you should do the same." Is He really asking us to take a basin and wash each other's feet? It seems that Peter and the other disciples did not understand at all, just like you today. I have thoughts but do not dare to speak. Many people are like this. Let’s look at Peter.
John 13:8, Peter said, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
This process shows that Peter did not understand why Jesus was washing his feet. He thought, "You cannot wash my feet; I feel embarrassed." Is that the reason? Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” What does this mean? Many pastors interpret this passage by saying that if Jesus does not wash Peter's feet, Peter cannot be saved.
Do you think so? Is washing feet related to salvation? No. If washing feet could save someone, everyone would take a basin and wash someone's feet to get saved. That is not how it works. At that time, Peter did not understand. After Jesus told him, Peter still did not get it. He said, “Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus saw that Peter did not understand His meaning at all! He then said, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” Do you understand this statement?
Now let’s unravel this passage and see what washing feet represents. Jesus mentions something else: “Those who have had a bath.” Who are those who have had a bath? They are saved people. Does taking a bath mean being saved? What is being referred to here is the washing of the Holy Spirit. When you accept the Holy Spirit, He dwells in your heart. It is like saying we have bathed in the Holy Spirit; are they saved people? Yes, they are saved. Then why wash feet afterward?
Which part of your body is closest to the ground? The feet. If you want to go somewhere, your feet will take you there. Everything you see, whether good or bad, and everything you want to do, is all done by your feet. Jesus says, "I must wash your feet first because many times, the injuries come from where your feet take you. You see things you should not see and do things you should not do; it is all about the feet. After your feet have done these things, does your heart get hurt? Other parts get hurt too. Jesus says, 'I want to solve this problem for you. I will wash your feet. Taking a bath represents that you have received the washing of the Holy Spirit and are saved. Washing feet represents being cleansed again through the word of God, regaining strength. This is related to serving, Amen.
Every time you come to church, are you taking a bath or washing your feet? It is not about bringing a basin to wash feet. Every time you come, you are washing your feet, allowing you to regain strength, washing away the attacks and grievances you have received from others. Through the word of God, you are cleansed again, Amen. This means that your feet are cleansed. You regain strength! So, brothers and sisters, it is not about bringing a basin to wash feet; it is about receiving the correct message every time you come.
When the world says you are worthless, you come to church, and I tell you, Jesus still loves you, loves you forever, Amen. If you fail in business and others say, "You are a good-for-nothing," you come to church, and we tell you, "You are the beloved child of God; you are the one He loves the most!" Do you see the difference in the message? Here, you regain strength, just like having your feet washed, and you have the strength to face the world and those people. This is what washing feet means; it refers to serving.
You come, I serve you, and your feet are washed, giving you the strength to serve others. This is what Jesus meant when He said to Peter, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." It means, "If I do not encourage you, comfort you, and serve you, you cannot serve." At that moment, Peter seemed not to understand this meaning. Looking ahead, we know that Peter later denied Jesus three times, having fallen quite thoroughly.
After Jesus died and rose again, He found Peter again, provided him with food and drink, and after eating, He began to serve Peter again, asking, "Simon, do you love me more than these?" Is He not serving him with words? He then said, "Feed my lambs; take care of my sheep; feed my sheep." Is this not encouragement? He is saying, "Peter, it is okay; this failure does not count for much. I can entrust the sheep to you."
If you were a person, would you dare to do that? After someone betrayed you, would you still entrust everything to him to shepherd your church? But our Jesus says, "I believe in you." Is that not the meaning? Peter was served and gained the strength to stand up, truly becoming a pillar of the church, Amen.
Otherwise, you either become a pillar or a worm. Brothers and sisters, if others say you are a worm, over time, you might feel like you are a worm, thinking, "I am this worm; I will eat through this pillar." If someone tells you that you are a pillar, you can truly become the mainstay of your family, Amen.
Many men are scolded by their wives, who say, "You are a good-for-nothing; you can’t do anything." In the end, the man goes from being a pillar to a worm. But if a wise woman continually praises her husband, encouraging him to work, just like I have told our brothers and sisters before, if you truly want a man to be willing to give everything for you, praise him more. He will charge into battle like a donkey. Why a donkey? Because he does not look back; he has that stubbornness, rushing into battle to do something for his wife, giving her the best in the world. It is because he feels praised and recognized. If you constantly scold him for being a good-for-nothing, he will say, "I will do this for you," and he will become a worm.
Why could Jesus cultivate so many disciples? Because Jesus said, "No matter how you are, I love you." He does not just say it; He truly loves, even loving Judas Iscariot; even when Peter betrayed Him, He still loved him. It is precisely because we receive this love from Jesus that we can have the strength to continue serving. You are the same, brothers and sisters. Every time you come to church, we come to wash our feet. We receive wrong things in this world, receiving condemnation, and we need to be completely washed away by the words of Christ, then live with the words of Christ. This way, your thoughts will be sanctified, and you will have the strength to live a victorious life, living a different life.
If you have been weak, fallen, or failed in business, when you come to church, Jesus says, "I am with you; I will help you; do not lose heart." You will rush back into battle. When you see your child in that state, will you be very angry? But think of Jesus. Even when you had nothing, even when you were at your lowest, He still loved you. You have strength now. You can face your family. This is what we mean by washing feet; it allows you to regain strength. The word of God, after you receive it, is meant for you to act upon immediately. This way, you will be blessed.
John 13:13-15
13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. I am your Lord and Teacher, and I have washed your feet; you should wash one another's feet. This does not mean everyone should take a basin and wash feet. Do not misunderstand. What does this statement mean? Look at how Jesus forgives us, how He forgives the disciples, how He encourages and supports the disciples. We should do the same for each other, not attack each other, brothers and sisters. What the Lord Jesus mentions here, "I have washed your feet; you should wash one another's feet," refers to encouraging one another, serving one another, comforting one another, and loving one another, Amen. Do not throw ashes on each other.
In the Bible, every time someone tears their clothes and throws ashes on their head, it signifies sadness, feeling wronged, or experiencing a terrible event. We cannot say, "I have become like this; let me throw ashes on you to make you suffer too." Do not do that. When you see someone in such a state, use the word of God to wash their feet, Amen. Tell them not to lose heart. Our God can love me, and He will surely love you. He can help me stand up from suffering, and He can help you too.
When we are weak, we most want to hear how others have been supported by God. I want this God to help me. I have shared my testimony with you. I have also had weak moments, moments of despair, and moments of cursing God. But God did not hold it against me because I did not understand. At that time, I was weak and did not care about God at all. But God lifted me up. I know He loves me like this, so when you are weak, I am willing to help you.
Because countless people have lifted me up when I was weak. Today, as I stand, I lift you up when you are weak. We can do this together, Amen. It is easy for us to stand together and pull up those who have fallen. This is what Jesus means by washing one another's feet. Hallelujah, thank and praise the Lord.
John 13:16-17
16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
God gives you the truth, and when you act on it, you will be blessed. If you say, "I have heard a new piece of knowledge; that’s great," but then go home and do nothing, you will never know how powerful that truth is. Unless you take the truth you know and encourage those who are weak, those who are disheartened, and those who are downcast, helping them stand up again, you will know the joy of helping others, which is absolutely incomparable to the joy of winning a lottery.
Brothers and sisters, the meaning of "no servant is greater than his master" is that unless you first receive from Jesus, you cannot step out. Otherwise, you will say, "I know, I understand, I know everything." Children always ask why, right? "Why are there stars in the sky? Why is the sun like that? Why is the air conditioner like this?" Children are full of curiosity and hope for the world. When people grow up, when they say, "I know," they are filled with despair about the world.
In front of Jesus, you should say, "Lord, I cannot; please help me." Then God will show you more. After you receive, please act immediately. Now that you know these things, if you act on them, you will be blessed. If you do not act on this truth, you will never know the power of the truth.
The day before yesterday, a sister told me that she had been listening to my sermon about communion for many years. Recently, she had back pain, and after praying for her back after listening, she was healed. She said, "I always thought that knowing this truth was enough. I did not expect that when I encountered a problem, I would listen again, and after listening, I used what I received and benefited from it." Then she prayed for her relatives, and they were healed because of that sermon, saving several people in her family.
Brothers and sisters, we do not say, "I have read this scripture." You read it today; this is what God wants to give you today, right? After you read it, apply it to yourself or to those around you, and you will see the results, Hallelujah.
Just like we often say, "By His stripes, we are healed." Do you know this? Yes. If there is a sick person here, using what you know will show you more because you will see the testimonies and the power of God manifested, Hallelujah. I hope everyone will use the word of God more.
1 John 4:7, Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
How can we see this love? By serving, others can see that we have love in our hearts. We are willing to cook for everyone, clean for everyone, and even help those who are weak and sick. This is what we are happy to do, and people can see that you have the likeness of God. This tells us that we should love one another; it is an action, Amen. Why do I hope everyone can pray for others after every gathering?
It is to let you practice the truth of Jesus. Practicing it every time will deepen your understanding of God, Hallelujah. Our God is the embodiment of love. Only those who truly receive the life of God can know how deep this love is. The source of love comes from our God. Only when we receive it can we live it out, Hallelujah. I encourage everyone to think more about the cross of Jesus Christ, and you will truly have that unconditional, self-sacrificing love in your heart, and your life will be different.
John 13:34-35, This is a summary after Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Let’s read it together.
34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.
The world may attack and scheme against each other for their own interests, but God calls us to love one another. Because in this way, you will gain more; it will not cause you to suffer losses in this world, Amen.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank and praise you. Thank you for serving us and comforting us through these words. You love those who belong to you in this world; I am one of your beloved, and you will love me forever. No matter if I fail or succeed, no matter my current state or where I am, you love me. When I think of your love, I have the strength to stand up again and love those around me who are unlovable. Lord, you support me, and I have the strength to support others. Through your words, let me think of your unconditional love every day, your love that is always present. Thank you and praise you. When we have this heart of loving one another, the world will see that we are your disciples. The mark of a Christian is a heart that loves one another. Grant this love to the brothers and sisters, so that every day they can think about how you love them, and they will have the strength to love themselves and those around them. Lead the brothers and sisters to love one another, care for one another, encourage one another, and let us walk the heavenly path together in Christ. Thank you and praise you; all glory belongs to you. In the name of our Lord Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Communion Part:
Everyone, before the Lord, let us quiet our hearts. Cast your burdens on Jesus, let Him support you, let Him wash your feet. At this moment, Jesus wants to give you His body, cleansing your heart. You have a covenant with God. If you have any sickness in your body, at this moment, He wants to serve you, restoring your heavenly health through His body. In the name of our Lord Jesus, I set this bread apart; from now on, it is no longer ordinary bread but the body of Jesus, given for me.
Jesus laid down His body so that I could be healed. By His stripes, we are healed. When you receive this bread, know that this is the body of Jesus, full of power. Jesus is here to serve you, to love you. Please receive His love; first, receive His service.
Heavenly Father, we wholeheartedly believe that you love us, believe in your grace and truth, which is a love that lasts forever. Lord, we believe that no matter when, you will not abandon us. At this moment, I receive your love. I know I have many weaknesses and shortcomings. I receive the love that comes from you.
Please help us, lead every brother and sister to think about the love of Jesus. Because of this love, you gave your body to us; because of this love, you are willing to heal us; because of this love, you want us to receive your health. It is not because we deserve it or because of our good behavior, but because you love us. Thank you for such a great love of Jesus, allowing me to think about this love today and to live with the love of Jesus.
Let me remember that I am a person of covenant; I have a covenant with the Heavenly Father. In the name of our Lord Jesus, I set this wine apart; it is no longer ordinary wine but the precious blood of Jesus, shed for me. Because Jesus loves me, He shed His blood to reconcile my relationship with the Heavenly Father. Because He loves me, He brings me into His covenant, allowing me to receive His blessings, enabling me to live a holy life on this earth. Please lead me. When I feel weak or wronged, I give it to you. I am a person of covenant with God, so I carry your strength, the power of love, and the power of forgiveness to embrace my new life. I know where I come from and where I am going. I am merely a channel to receive God's love and to pass on God's love. I will no longer remember the grievances and hurts others have caused me; I receive His love in Jesus.
Everyone, pray before the Lord according to your own situation. Thank and praise the Lord. At this moment, how do you need Jesus to wash your feet? You can close your eyes and think. He wants to wash away your grievances, condemnation, weaknesses, and guilt, just like washing your feet. He will give you strength again, washing away the dust of this world. Jesus wants to wash it away, drying it with the towel in His hand, which is holy. Those who are cleansed will receive His truth, renewing your thoughts and ideas, letting go of all errors. At this moment, say, "Lord, I am willing to let your words fill me, renew me. I will no longer remember the hurts others have caused me. I am willing to let go. You give me strength, so I have a heart to forgive." Each person pray according to your situation.
I know I am a person of covenant; I have a covenant with the Heavenly Father. The King of Kings serves me every day, and I thank you for that. Because you have done this, you say that whoever wants to be great must be the servant of all. You will elevate me in this environment, allowing me to receive your greater blessings. I believe all of this is for your good purpose, and I thank you for it. All glory belongs to our Father in heaven. In the name of our Lord Jesus, we pray, Amen, Hallelujah.