John 13 - Less Words, More Love

“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭13:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 

Jesus and his disciples gathered one last time for an evening meal, and Jesus decided to act out a parable instead of speaking it. Jesus got up from the table and did culturally the unimaginable. 

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭13:3-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This was unimaginable because the lowest of all the servants would have been prepared and ready to wash the guest's feet, not the honorable host of the meal, and indeed not the Son of God. I read this in a commentary this morning, and it said it perfectly;

Jesus knew actions speak louder than words. So when He wanted to teach the proud, arguing disciples about true humility, He didn’t just say it – He showed it. He showed it in a way that illustrated His whole work on behalf of His own.

Jesus, Son of Man, and Son of God modeled humility by serving and loving. He then challenged the disciples to do the same, and He is speaking this into our lives. 

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭13:13-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We should serve one another, love one another, and follow Jesus’ example. Often less words, more love is the right response.