Maundy Thursday Sermon: "More of the World Than of God"

Text: John 13:1-17, 31-35
Introduction

Tonight, we gather in the shadow of the cross. The table is set, the bread and wine prepared, and the story unfolds once more—the story of betrayal, of love, and of a Savior who kneels before His disciples to wash their feet.

Yet, in this sacred moment, we are confronted with a painful truth: many of us live with more of the world in our hearts than of God.

Judas sat at this table too. He shared the bread, drank the wine, and even let Jesus wash his feet—yet his heart was far from Christ. He was more devoted to money, to power, to his own plans than to the One who loved him.

And before we judge Judas too harshly, we must ask ourselves: Are we any different?

Tonight, as we remember the Last Supper, the foot washing, and the betrayal, let us examine our own hearts. Do we live with more of the world than of God?
1. The World’s Love: Selfishness vs. Christ’s Love: Sacrifice

In John 13, we see two contrasting loves:

Judas’ love—self-serving, deceptive, willing to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.


Jesus’ love—humble, sacrificial, willing to wash the feet of the one who would betray Him.

Judas was in Christ’s presence but not in His heart. He followed Jesus, but his allegiance was to the world.

How many of us do the same?

We claim to love God, but our hearts are consumed with greed, ambition, or resentment.


We sing worship songs on Sunday but live for ourselves on Monday.


We call Jesus "Lord," but our decisions show we serve other masters.

Jesus says in Matthew 6:24:


"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Who are we really serving?
2. The World’s Way: Betrayal vs. Christ’s Way: Loyalty

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss—a symbol of love twisted into treachery.

But let us not forget: Peter also betrayed Jesus. He denied Him three times. The difference? Peter wept and repented; Judas despaired and died in his sin.

What about us?

Do we betray Christ with our silence when we should speak His name?


Do we deny Him with our actions when we choose sin over obedience?


Do we trade our devotion to Him for the approval of the world?

Jesus knew both Judas and Peter would fail Him—yet He washed both their feet. Grace was extended even to the betrayer.

But only one received it.

Will we, like Peter, return to Jesus in repentance? Or will we, like Judas, walk away into the night?
3. The World’s Wisdom: Power vs. Christ’s Wisdom: Servanthood

The world tells us:

"Climb the ladder."


"Look out for yourself."


"Strength is dominance."

But Jesus kneels down and washes feet.

Philippians 2:5-7 says:


"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant."

Are we living by the world’s wisdom or Christ’s?

Do we seek to be served or to serve?


Do we demand our rights or lay them down for others?


Do we build our own kingdoms or advance God’s?

Jesus says in John 13:15:


"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Will we follow it?
Conclusion: Choosing Whom We Will Serve

Tonight, as we come to the table, we are faced with the same choice as Judas and Peter:

Will we live with more of the world than of God?


Will we betray Him with our divided hearts?


Or will we, like Jesus, choose the way of love, sacrifice, and servanthood?

Judas left the Last Supper and went into the night—lost, hopeless, enslaved to his sin.

But Peter, though he failed, found forgiveness. And so can we.

Tonight, Jesus extends His hands to us—not just with bread and wine, but with grace.

Will we receive it?

Will we live not for the world, but for Him?

Let us pray.