The Love Example
John 13
Chapter 13 of John’s Gospel takes a turn, it is the last week of Jesus life - the week prior to the cross. The perspective seems to shift in John’s writing. The first twelve chapters focus on Jesus’ mission from a very earthly view: Jesus seeks to prove Himself to the Jewish people as the long anticipated Savior or Messiah. But with the beginning of chapter 13, John focuses on Jesus being exalted and anticipating His departure and return to heaven.
Jesus knows His days are coming to an end. His time with His beloved disciples is winding down. With this in mind, Jesus begins with a seemingly odd example of what love and leadership should look like! He chooses to wash His disciples feet. This gesture shocks His followers. But the startling act arouses a deep curiosity in the disciples, which opens for them a beautiful lesson.
The question had to be swirling around in their heads, how could He be doing this? How could the Savior of the world stoop so low? (Washing peoples feet was a lowly job and usually only done by household servants.) Now that Jesus has every bit of the disciples attention and focus, He can share a deep truth. A truth that runs from Genesis to Revelation. The importance of Love. Humbly loving and serving are the most important motivators!
As Jesus went around the room, one at a time He knelt at the feet of each disciple taking time and care to wash their feet. I cannot help but wonder what was said between Jesus and each of His chosen friends? The sharing and intimacy would have been piercingly beautiful. Each special and specific, showing how to truly lead and move forward in building the Kingdom.
Jesus knew what was around the corner for these men. He knew what was being asked of these twelve, simple men. They were going to lead the Church! The example was simple - wash their feet! Lead by serving, driven by Loving!
The disciples needed an example, and so do we today, leadership is not about self-promotion. We should not be focused on building our own platform, creating a brand, and recruiting others to serve our agenda. Jesus wanted His disciples, and us, to realize it is about seizing upon existing needs and rising to meet them even if it is inconvenient and causes us to get our hands dirty.
Once Jesus was finished, He sat back down with His beloved friends and said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.” (12-17)
If we leave this beautiful picture here, we miss out on the fullness of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus did not stop with just a vivid example; He goes on to bring the example of serving and leading full circle. He adds a command to His example in verses 34-35, “Love one another! In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for each other.”
I hope you understand, our lives become a continuation of what Jesus said to Nicodemus in chapter 3. Just as God so loved the world that He sent Jesus, Jesus so loves the world that He sends us! We are not sent to condemn the world but to wash the world’s feet! Driven by love. Lead by serving!