Let There Be LightSample

Day 13 – Liv Howard
(Calvary Rockhampton/Yeppoon)

John Chapter 13
Title: Humble Service & Love

Scripture: John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

Thought:
At the beginning of Chapter 13, we read that Jesus, knowing what is to come, puts all of His trust in God’s will and timing. “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 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.” (John 13:3-5)

Folks in ancient times would typically walk barefoot or in sandals, crossing mud, faeces, and dirt over the course of a day.

As you can imagine, washing feet was a necessary but dirty process that people usually did themselves. If done for someone else, it would always be done by a person of lower status, such as a servant. When Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, he isn't denying his Lordship but rather setting the example of humility, service, and sacrificial love that all followers of Jesus need to display.

Application:
Jesus’ actions show his love, faith, and obedience to God. They remind us that our actions need to be evidence of our love, faith, and obedience to God. If the Saviour of the world would wash His disciples' feet, who am I to let mess, discomfort, and inconvenience stop me from outworking His command to love and serve others?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the example of humble service and love you set for us. Help us to follow in your footsteps by serving others selflessly and loving one another deeply. May our actions toward others reflect how you have loved and served us. Amen.