Continuing this month’s examination of the sermons and lessons of Jesus, we turn our attention to John 13. Jesus, the “Teacher and Lord”, washed the feet of His closest friends. In the culture of the timeframe, the servant of the house would wash the feet of guests when they entered the master’s home. The lesson is simple. We are to serve one another with humility and respect for each other, not considering ourselves better than another.

After Jesus had finished washing the disciple’s feet, He spoke some of the most beautiful words ever spoken. He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Christians therefore should be known by their love for each other. Too many times this is not the case.

Notice that this is a command from Jesus. Just like any other command form Him, it must be obeyed (John 14:15). How can we obey such a command? Can we force love? It is easy when we consider what we have in common. Jesus died for us all (Romans 5:8). John himself said it best in 1 John 4: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸ He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

In closing, I encourage you to show love to your fellow Christians in whatever way you are able. Pray for each other, make a call, send an email, or go for a visit.