Book of John: John 13-14
This week we continued through the Gospel of John and camped out in chapters 13 and 14. Building on the moments we’ve seen—Mary’s costly worship, Lazarus raised from the dead, and Jesus meeting Thomas in his doubts—Jesus steps into the upper room and chooses a posture that surprises everyone: He gets up from the table, wraps a towel around His waist, and washes the disciples’ feet. It’s more than a nice gesture; it’s a living parable. Mary’s perfume in chapter 12 was worship aimed at Jesus. In chapter 13, Jesus uses water to serve His followers, showing us that He alone is the source of cleansing—the living water who purifies and makes us clean.
Peter’s reaction is classic—first refusing, then asking for a full bath. Jesus explains that those who belong to Him are already clean, but our “feet” still pick up daily grime. We don’t need a new salvation every day; we need regular renewal—confession, grace, and a fresh filling of the Spirit to walk in purity. And don’t miss the detail that Jesus washed Judas’s feet too. That’s a sobering picture of Christlike love: serving even those who might reject or hurt us.
From there, Jesus reshapes expectations. He’s not propping up old structures; He’s forming a set-apart people marked by love and service. He gives a “new commandment”: love one another as He has loved us. Not a polite, easy love, but a Jesus-shaped love—merciful and gracious, yet honest and accountable. That kind of love is what marks us as His disciples. Even a small dose of Christ’s love can cut through a mountain of hate, and when we choose to love like Jesus, our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods begin to change.
In John 14, Jesus makes one of His clearest claims: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He isn’t just an option among many; He is the way to the Father. When Philip asks to see the Father, Jesus reminds him: if you’ve seen Jesus, you’ve seen the Father. His words and works reveal the Father’s heart. We miss that sometimes and either overlook God’s activity or try to take credit ourselves. Discernment grows as we abide in Jesus and align our prayers with His will.
Jesus also promises “another Helper”—the Holy Spirit—to be with us forever. Through the Spirit’s presence, we’ll see greater works, not because we’re greater than Jesus, but because His power is now at work in and among us. Love and the Spirit together make us a distinct people. We’re not chasing righteousness by keeping 613 laws; we’re living in the fulfilled law of Christ by loving and obeying Him. John 14 keeps it simple and potent: if we love Jesus, we’ll keep His commands; obedience opens intimacy with the Father; and from that intimacy, God’s presence becomes real in our lives. We often complicate Scripture to avoid obeying it, but Jesus keeps it clear—love Me, keep My word, and I will dwell with you.
All of this is anchored in Jesus’ humility. He lowered Himself to wash feet—taking the role of the lowest servant—and ultimately obeyed to the point of death on a cross. Even in humiliation, He loved us. That love is what makes us different. When we pair His love with the Spirit’s guidance, transformation begins—starting with our own hearts. And His example calls us to humble worship and tangible service, even toward those who are hard to love. He washed Judas’s feet knowing betrayal was coming. That’s the kind of costly, undeserved, supernatural love we’re commanded to practice.
Discipleship Next Steps:
Daily renewal: Invite Jesus to “wash your feet” each day. Pray simple, honest prayers of confession and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.
Love and obey: Read John 13–14 slowly. Each time you see “love” or “commandments,” ask, “Lord, how do You want me to obey this today?”
Serve someone who can’t repay you: Choose a humble act of service for a coworker, neighbor, or someone difficult for you to love. Pray for them daily and ask God to soften your heart.
Abide regularly: Set aside 15 minutes each day to pray and read Scripture, aligning your desires with Jesus’ will. Ask the Helper to empower you to love and obey.
Confess and reconcile: If bitterness or unforgiveness is lingering, name it before Jesus, release it, and take a practical step toward reconciliation where possible.