“So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and do so correctly, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you. I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’” —John 13:12–17
As believers in Jesus, we are under an obligation to follow the example of our Master. What Christ has done we should not think beneath us. Our freedom in Christ was never meant to be a license for laziness and self-indulgence. The goal of freedom in Christ is loving service.
In the New Testament we read:
“The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.” —1 John 2:6
Jesus tells us:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them. It must not be this way among you! Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—just as the son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Matthew 20:25–28
As followers of Jesus, it is our obligation to follow His example. The loving pattern Jesus demonstrates to us by the example of His life is the best way for every human. This is not legalism, but love. And when we begin to act according to His example, through the power of the Holy Spirit, our actions often turn from being motivated by duty to being motivated by desire.
“To love God, to serve Him because we love Him, is … our highest happiness … Love makes all labor light. We serve with enthusiasm where we love with sincerity.” —Hannah More
In our verses for today, Jesus gives us the promise that obedience to our knowledge of the truth will always be blessed. Knowledge can be a very funny thing.
Paul reminds us:
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” —1 Corinthians 8:1
Nothing is more common than for one to sit, soak … and sour regarding the teaching of God’s Word. Professing to know the truth yet remaining in disobedience, people seem to flatter themselves in thinking that there is something redeeming and credible in knowledge while they remain barren of fruit in heart or character. Sadly, to know what we ought to do and what we ought to believe and what we ought to be, yet remain unaffected by this knowledge, only adds to our guilt in the sight of God. Where much has been given, much is expected. We who live in a world inundated with Bibles and commentaries and sermons and churches and more Biblical resources than one can imagine should pay particular attention. Unfortunately, we oftentimes are careless and indifferent to what has been graciously given to us.
Become More
Obeying Jesus is the very life of our relationship with God. We will never truly be happy in our Lord’s service if we are content with only head knowledge of duty. Doctrinal orthodoxy apart from practical love and humility is worthless before God. We shrink the Holy Spirit within us through our lack of willing obedience. God does not force our obedience; we always have a choice.
“In the kingdom of God, service is not a stepping stone to nobility. It is nobility.” —T. W. Manson
Further Reflections
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” —Galatians 5:13–14
“So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.” —James 4:17
“The end of learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love Him and imitate Him.” —John Milton