Deutero Q

In John 13:1-17, we find a powerful example of love. During the Last Supper, Jesus showed His disciples “the full extent of his love.” He demonstrated His love by His actions. That is an important point. Jesus did not simply say, “I love you.” Instead, He demonstrated His love.

Biblical love is more than words. It is also more than a feeling. “Dear children,” Scripture says, “let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” In John 13 we certainly see Jesus loving with actions and in truth. John records that Jesus got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin, and then began to wash the disciples’ feet.

Notice that Jesus got up during the meal to do this. Normally foot washing was done as an act of courtesy when a person entered someone’s home. The fact that Jesus got up during the meal to wash feet tells us that He had more than a courteous act in mind. Jesus showed the full extent of His love by dying on a cross for sinners. But before going to the cross, He humbled Himself and unselfishly washed the feet of His disciples. The Master was a servant.

And of course the lesson must not be missed: servanthood is the high calling of every follower of Jesus, the Servant-Master.