Abide Together: Reflections on John 13

In John 13, during the Last Passover over meal and the first Lord’s Supper – Jesus washed the disciples feet, which foreshadowed His selfless death He would soon undergo. He calls them to follow His example of selfless service, He points out to John that Judas will betray Him, He calls the disciples to show the world that they are His followers by loving each other as He has loved them and Jesus prophecies that Peter will deny Him 3 times.   The thing that sticks out to me this morning is Jesus’ command that the disciples love each other as He has loved them and the promise that follows that – “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  The standard by which they and all Christians after them are to love each other is – “as I (Jesus) have loved you.”  How did Jesus love them?  He placed their need for salvation from sin before His own life – HE was selfless, as just illustrated by His washing their feet (a job for the lowest slave).  This is not natural for mankind, without a heart change.  Only through the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit can followers of Jesus love as HE has loved (selflessly).  However, when this does happen it is a sure sign to the world that we have been changed from the inside out.  Father, by Your grace may I always be empowered by the Holy Spirit living in me to love as Jesus loved, so that others will know that I am Your disciple.

– Bryan McKenzie