Humility: The Power of Humility
January 26, 2025

The Power of Humility

Thom Redmond

January 26th 2025
John 13:1-17


Warning: There can be a to living humbly.


John 13:1-2 - 1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

Notice Satan went right after Jesus’ inner circle.

Hebrews 13:3 - 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

John 13:3 - 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.

This verse is a stand-alone verse that reminds us that we can trust God in every area of our lives.

Matthew 20:28 - 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Question: Why did Jesus do foot washing? Remember, you usually washed your feet and hands when you entered a home.


John 13:6-7 - 6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”

These verses are the heart of the story.

Notice that Jesus did not skip any part of the foot-washing process.

Question: Did you see that Jesus came to the disciples?

means helping even the worst people. Remember, life and death are at stake.


John 13:8-10 - 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” 10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.”

Peter did not understand what Jesus was doing at the moment. Can you see it?

John 13:12 - 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing?

That was a loaded question. Jesus was looking forward here to a particular moment that was approaching.

John 19:30 - 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 13:13-14 - 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.

This foot washing is more than just a physical act.

John 13:15-16 - 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.

If Jesus could be a humble servant, why not us?

John 13:17 - 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

This verse has a tremendous promise.