‘Big Tub - Little Tub’ Bathing John 13:2-11

Text:  “Jesus saith unto him (Peter), He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.”

John 13:10.

Good morning, double-bathed Christian!  Having been Spiritually washed in the Blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus; Redeemed by His Holy and all-cleansing Blood - we are - in our Standing before God - every whit Spiritually clean; hidden in Christ Jesus.  Praise God for His Salvation!

Yet, because you and I walk as pilgrims through this barren and sinful world, our feet, our hands, our minds, our very hearts (whole essence of being), get continually soiled by sin; therefore our daily Spiritual State needs attention.

In our present Spiritual State - we need to be continually washed afresh from sin, through confession of sin, and a daily ‘…washing of the water of the Word…’ 

This is what I refer to as ‘Big Tub - Little Tub’ Spiritual Bathing.

Anyone who has been privileged to have undertaken Missions to India and beyond has experienced what I call the ‘big tub - little tub’ washing procedure.

In any basic hotel room, or living quarters, one has a room designated as a toilet and bathing area - what we in the West recognize as a bathroom. 

However, in Asian countries, these bathrooms are quite different from our own.  Except in more affluent buildings, these bathrooms are completely devoid of a shower facility, or a bathtub!  There is usually a cold water tap.

Instead of a shower facility, one is brought a big plastic tub of hot water, it is carried into the bathroom area, and left for the occupant’s use.  There is always a little plastic tub with a handle attached with which to dip into the big tub of hot water.

Therefore, one strips down, stands in the bathing area and, using the little plastic tub to dip into the big tub, pours water over ones head and body; soaps down, and then rinses off, again using this ‘big tub - little tub’ method.

All Missionaries know the benefit of the ‘big tub - little tub’ bathing experience.  In those hot and often dusty lands, one needs to be, at all times, physically clean.

Bringing this concept into the Spiritual realm, and in the context of our Bible reading for today - ALL Christians should know the benefit of the Spiritual ’big tub - little tub’ experience.  We should all be ’double-bathed’ in our Christian faith.  Let us learn the power of being ’double-bathed’ Christians.

“But as He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (entire lifestyle); because it is written, Be ye holy for I am Holy.”  (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Key Verse: “Jesus saith to him (Simon Peter), He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.”  (John 13:10)

‘Big Tub’ Wash:  'Little Tub' Washing:  However, Spiritually speaking, we born again believers receive our ‘Big Tub Wash’ the moment we submit ourselves in obedience to God; in repentance from sin; and cry out for God’s Salvation in Christ alone.  We are Redeemed, washed in the precious Blood of Christ the Lamb, shed for our vile sins at Calvary’s Cross.  We are made ‘…white as snow…as wool…‘ for Eternity.  Hallelujah!  Jesus paid it ALL!  (Isaiah 1:18)  (1 John 1:7)

 In our Standing: The entire sin question for us is nailed to Christ’s Cross.  ‘…the Blood of Christ Jesus…cleanses us from all sin.’ forever!

'Little Tub' Washing:  However in our daily walk, our State in this world, we get increasingly dirty, Spiritually speaking.  That is why we need the ’little tub’ wash daily.  It is what we theologians call Progressive Sanctification.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us (‘little tub’) from all unrighteousness.”                      (1 John 1:8-9)

“Now are ye clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in Me (Christ Jesus), and I in you…”  (John 15:3-4)  (Ephesians 5:26)

Sin separates us from our Holy Lord God - flee from it, NOW!      (Isaiah 59:1-2)

The two words in our key verse, ‘washed’ and ‘wash’, are interpreted in this manner - the big bath and the little tidy-up bath.  (John 13:10)

The 'Big Tub - Little Tub' concept, is Standing & State Theology. 

In our Standing, we are Eternally cleansed by Christ’s Blood when saved.  In our State, we need to be progressively cleansed by prayer and the Word of God.   We are, therefore, doubly washed, Absolutely and Progressively Sanctified.  Praise God for what Christ has done for us at the Cross on Calvary's Hill.  Hallelujah!

Thought: Washed by Christ’s Blood, let’s keep ourselves clean from sin.