The Lord’s Service

John 13:12-20

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me”.

John 13:12-20

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me”.

Notes

The writer mentioned that the Lord Jesus loved His disciples. The immediate action within the context was the Lord washing their feet. Thus, one would surmise that His love is reflected in His service. Only the lowest-ranked servant did the washing of the feet. The Lord Jesus was willing to do the most debased work to reflect His service. However, washing the feet was a pale comparison to His ultimate service, which was to suffer, die, and rise again. His ultimate form of service is reflective of His love for His followers. The Lord’s love is intertwined with His love in this greatest expression.

1. Example

   Although the disciples called Jesus Lord and Teacher, He performed the task of the lowest servant. He washed their feet. This was an expression of His love and an example for all His disciples to follow. The Lord expected the disciples to wash each other’s feet, which meant that they ought to serve one another.

   
   12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (John 13:12-15).

   Application: Believers should understand that Christ's ultimate service was His suffering, death, and resurrection. His act washed clean all who believed in Him. As believers, we should follow His example and obey His command to serve each other. As we continue to serve Him, let us also serve one another.

2. Servanthood

   If the Lord, Teacher, and Master served, then all His followers must serve. If Christ set an example and commanded His disciples to follow, then His disciples must obey. Why? The servant is not greater than the master nor a messenger greater than the sender.

   16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them (John 13:16-17).

   Application: : Let us always remember our place. We were called to serve the Lord and to serve each other as disciples. Knowing this truth is a blessing. We serve each other because the Lord served us through His suffering, death, and resurrection. Christianity is not about our comfort or our needs being met but about serving Him and one another.

3. Forewarning

   The Lord Jesus revealed that He knew whom He had chosen, but one of them would betray Him. The revelation of a betrayer would help the disciples believe who He was. Then He explained that all who receive Him receive the Father, and all who receive those He sends receive Him.

   
   18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me” (John 13:18-20).

   Application: We should always trust His word. Therefore, we should study every revelation of Christ and every instruction. Let us proclaim the unity of the Father and Son. Moreover, let us believe in our unity with the Father and Son, and in all we do, we must remember that we represent the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What did the Lord expect from His disciples?

2. Explain the principle of servanthood based on the text.

3. Discuss the significance of the Lord’s foreknowledge of the betrayal.