Scripture#
John Chapters 10 - 13
Observation:#
Verses that stuck out#
John 10:26-30"But you do not believe, because you are
not of My sheep, as I said to you.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow Me. And I give them eternal
life, and they shall never perish; neither
shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is
greater than all; and no one is able to snatch
them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father
are one."
John 12:25-26"He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates
his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am,
there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me,
him My Father will honor."
John 13:5-17Jesus Washes The Disciples’ Feet
John 13:34-35"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have
love for one another."
Breaking down John 13:1-17#
“He loved them to the end.”
- Jesus’ act of service is a demonstration of His love - not just affection, but self-sacrificing devotion that would soon lead Him to the cross.
“Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into his hands.”
- Notice the irony: the One with all authority chooses the role of the lowest servant.
- True greatness in God’s Kingdom flows from humility, not heirarchy.
Jesus washes their feet
- Foot washing was the task of household servants - no Jewish teacher would ever do this.
- Jesus removes His outer garment (symbol of position) and girds Himself with a towel - a symbol of servanthood.
- The Creator stoops to clean the dust off His creation.
“If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
- This reveals a deeper spiritual truth: we all need Christ’s cleansing - not of dirt, but of sin.
“He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet.”
- Symbolically, believers are already “washed” (forgiven), but need ongoing cleansing in daily life (repetance).
- This mirrors sanctification - the continual washing of our walk with God.
Jesus’ lesson
- He models the pattern of Kingdom leadership: service before status.
- The One called “Lord and Teacher” stoops, therefore none of His followers are above serving others.
“Blessed are you if you do them.”
- Jesus connects knowing truth with doing truth.
- The blessing isn’t in knowledge - it’s in obedience.
Takeaway#
Love
- True love expresses itself through humility and service.
Cleansing
- Salvation requires Jesus’ cleansing; sanctification is ongoing.
Leadership
- Greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured by servanthood, not authority.
Fellowship
- To have “part” with Jesus, we must let Him cleanse us - spiritually and relationally.
Discipleship
- Jesus didn’t just tell us to serve - He showed us how.
Application#
- Be willing to serve. No act of humility is beneath a follower of Jesus. Whether it’s doing unseen work, forgiving someone, or showing grace - that’s Kingdom.
- Let Jesus wash you. Don’t resist His cleansing - whether through repentance, conviction, or His Word.
- Serve with awareness. Jesus washed Judas’ feet, too. Love and humility aren’t contingent on being treated fairly.
- Model this in relationships. In marriage, friendship, work, or ministry - choose the towel, not the throne.
💠If the Son of God knelt down to serve others, who are we to withhold service in His name?
Prayer#
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing me what true love looks like - humble, pure, and selfless. Cleanse me of pride, impatience, or anything that keeps me from serving like You.
Help me remember that greatness in Your Kingdom means taking the lowest place. Give me a servant’s heart - quick to forgive, eager to love, and willing to stoop low for others’ good.
May my life reflect Your towel and basin - simple, faithful acts of love that point back to You.
In Your Holy Name,
Amen.