The way to be blessed

April 13, 2021

13:1-35 Loving one another, just as Jesus loves us

Read John 13:16-17

From early in his ministry, Jesus emphasised to his disciples that “a student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matt.10:24; Luke 6:40a). This was not said out of an insistence that they should show due deference towards him but to remind them that the purpose of discipleship is to be trained to be “like their teacher” (Matt.10:24-25; Luke 6:40b). That point is repeated here emphatically (16; “Very truly”), to underline that the example which he has set them is one that he expects them to follow – “you should do as I have done for you” (13:14-15).

But what exactly was it that he had done for them? As we’ve seen, his washing of their feet was an act of lowly service, but one which pointed to an even greater humbling and greater service – his death on the cross (Mark 10:45; Phil.2:6-8). So the example he has set us is not merely (!) to behave kindly and humbly towards others. That’s a good starting place, and often that seems like challenge enough. But more radically still, just as “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for one another” (1 John 3:16).

How on earth can we ever do that? The “How” teaching which Jesus goes on to give them in John 14-15 will provide his answer. But before the “How” of following Jesus, we need to be clear about the “What” – to be a Christian means that we are called to love others in the same way that Jesus has loved us. Putting this into practice leads to blessing and glory, just as it did for Jesus (17; John 12:23-26; Phil. 2:9-11). “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them”.