Loving God And Loving Others: The Basics Of Becoming ChristlikeSample

Conclusion: Jesus is Our Example

Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of all the law and the prophets. He is our example of what it means to love God with everything and to love people as ourselves.

Jesus’ teaching is radically different than what we expect. His is an upside-down kingdom where life is found in death, power is found in weakness, freedom comes with surrender, greatness is found in service, the first will be last and the last will be first, and enemies are to be loved and not hated.

John 13-17 takes place during the last week of Christ’s life prior to His betrayal, arrest and trial. These chapters contain Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples that were meant to prepare them for His death and resurrection—two events that would change their lives forever.

By washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus demonstrated His upside-down kingdom. In Jesus’ day, footwashing was reserved for the lowliest of servants. But Jesus got up from the meal, took off His robe, tied a towel around His waist and began to wash His disciples’ feet. The greatest among them took the lowest rank; the King of Kings served others in humility.

At the time, the disciples didn’t understand what Jesus was doing, but He assured them they would one day. He knew this simple act would be part of the transformation of their mindsets and postures as His followers. 

Jesus didn’t wash their feet just to be kind. He did it to demonstrate the kind of life He was calling them to—an upside-down life of service to God, to each other and to all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or background.

The King of all kings and Lord of all lords loved in humility by laying down His life. And He called His followers to do the same.

As believers, our call is to love God wholly, and from this love flows regard for every person, remembering that each one has been created in the image of God. As you continue to focus on the two spiritual basics laid out in Mark 12:30-31, ask God to give you a heart and mind that anticipate opportunities for service and love. 

Questions for Reflection: 

• How much have you been willing to love others through your service?
• As you look to Jesus as your example, what needs to change as you seek to love and serve others?
• In what ways can you actively serve others in humility?

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