Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 This is the first blog post of the year, and what a powerful chapter to begin with. Today we’re diving into John 13, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

This chapter begins with us witnessing one of the most counter-intuitive acts in history. Jesus, the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, picks up a basin and a towel and begins to wash the dusty, calloused feet of His disciples. This was not a symbolic gesture done for show; it was a radical demonstration of humility and love and a direct challenge to our own hearts: Are we willing to wash the feet of those God has placed in our lives?

[1] Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. [2] And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, [3] Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, [4] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. [5] After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. [6] Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” [7] Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” [8] Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:1-8 NKJV)

Verses 1-2 tells us something deeply moving. Jesus knew His hour had come. He knew that in a few short hours, he would be crucified. He knew that these same men, his closest friends, were about to desert and deny him. He knew betrayal was already in motion by one sitting at the very table with Him.

Despite all this, the Scriptures highlight: “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” That is, Jesus’ love did not falter or diminish in the face of impending suffering and disappointment. Instead, He chose to serve. Picture the King of Kings willingly stooping down to wash the dusty, dirty feet of those who would soon fail Him. This act was not simply about physical cleanliness, but a demonstration of a love so powerful and enduring that it challenges us to do more for Him and to share that same transformative love with those around us.

The act of washing feet was the lowest task in Jewish culture, normally reserved for the least important servant. Yet Jesus willingly took that position. He was teaching His disciples, and us, what true leadership in God’s Kingdom looks like. It is not about titles, status, or power, but about love expressed through humble service.

However, this service requires a certain level of surrender on our part. When Peter resisted, insisting that Jesus should never wash his feet, it looked like humility, but it was a form of pride. Peter was trying to maintain the social order he understood, but Jesus was introducing a new Kingdom where the least is the greatest. By telling Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” Jesus was showing us that we must accept his cleansing work to have a relationship with him. The washing Jesus speaks of goes beyond water; it points to the cleansing power of His Word. We cannot truly live for Christ or be a part of what he is doing if we don’t allow his Word to dwell in us, transform us, and have its way in our lives.

What is most striking is that Jesus performed this humble act while being fully aware of his own power. Verse 3 tells us that Jesus knew the Father had given him all things; he knew exactly who he was. He didn’t serve because he lacked authority or didn’t know his identity; he served because he was so secure in his authority that he didn’t need to protect it.

In the Kingdom of God, power is not used to punish, demand, or oppress, but to uplift. Jesus shows us that strength and humility are not opposites; they work together. You can be confident in your identity and authority and still choose to stoop low to serve.

If the One whom God called “My Beloved Son” was willing to kneel and wash feet, how much more should we be willing to serve those around us? Whether in our homes, churches, workplaces, or friendships, we are called to use whatever influence or position God has given us, not to exalt ourselves, but to love others well.

As we conclude today’s reflection on John 13, let us take a moment to examine our hearts. Are there areas, like Peter, where pride makes it difficult for us to be vulnerable? Are there places where we resist God’s cleansing work because it feels uncomfortable or humbling? Let us ask the Lord for the grace to surrender fully, to be washed, transformed, and shaped by His love.

Finally, what is one practical, “lowly” task you can do this week for someone in your family, workplace, or church that reflects the heart of Jesus?

Thank you so much for joining me in our study of John 13. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments so we can continue growing together in faith. 💛