Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1 WEB
With these words, “he loved them,” John begins his description of the last supper. Jesus met with his disciples, demonstrating his love for them and predicting his betrayal by one of his own. Although loved by the Lord, John describes how Satan had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus. Knowing that he would soon return to the Father, Jesus rises from the meal and begins to wash his disciples’ feet. He loved them.
Jesus is our Passover lamb. Because of the blood he shed on the cross, we are saved from sin and death. Thanks to the grace of God and the forgiveness earned by Jesus, those who believe will live eternally in heaven with the Father. However, the demonstration of our belief through loving acts of service plays a role in our faith. As we read in James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB”
Love One Another
Our Lord teaches that those who love him keep his commandments. We read in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments. WEB” In addition, the Lord commands that we love one another as he loves us. Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. WEB”
Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus demonstrated the love of God. Nearing the end of his life, Christ continues to show his love through acts of kindness. At the last supper, Jesus poured water in a basin and washed the feet of his disciples. With this demonstration, Jesus sets an example of service to others as the standard for demonstrating godly love.
Living a Life of Service
In order to love like Jesus, we commit to a life of serving others. As the Lord says in Matthew 20:27-28, “Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. WEB”
Jesus’ life was a demonstration of obedience to the will of God. He lived in service to God and man. His sacrifice on the cross served God’s purpose for the redemption of mankind and man’s need for forgiveness from sin. To be like Jesus and demonstrate our love for him, we must display this same sacrificial love of service to God and one another.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example of love given by your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for loving me. Help me to love like Jesus. Give me wisdom to live a life of service that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Scripture Is God Breathed
