SERVE IN LOVE
Today’s reading in John 13 records Jesus washing His disciples feet. When He finished, He said, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” John 13:12b-15
As they left the upper room on their way to Gethsemane, He tells His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.
Luke records a discussion between Jesus and His disciples at this same time on the way to Gethsemane, “And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called “Benefactors.” But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.’” Luke 22:24-27.
John records Jesus speaking to His disciples around this same time, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:12-17.
As Jesus was giving His last words to His disciples before His death, it’s obvious that He had a deep concern that His disciples love each other which is demonstrated through serving them, just as He demonstrated by washing their feet. As Jesus’ spiritual brothers and sisters, we need to follow in His steps to love and serve those around us.
Lord, help me to be mindful of needs of those around me and help me to love and offer service as You would do in each situation. Amen
(All verses are NASB)
As they left the upper room on their way to Gethsemane, He tells His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.
Luke records a discussion between Jesus and His disciples at this same time on the way to Gethsemane, “And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called “Benefactors.” But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.’” Luke 22:24-27.
John records Jesus speaking to His disciples around this same time, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:12-17.
As Jesus was giving His last words to His disciples before His death, it’s obvious that He had a deep concern that His disciples love each other which is demonstrated through serving them, just as He demonstrated by washing their feet. As Jesus’ spiritual brothers and sisters, we need to follow in His steps to love and serve those around us.
Lord, help me to be mindful of needs of those around me and help me to love and offer service as You would do in each situation. Amen
(All verses are NASB)
by Ken Zook, Deacon
Posted in Read Through the Bible
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