Jesus Ultimate Command
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father let us love one another like Jesus and learn to be more like him
READ:
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “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 13:12-17
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
REFLECT:
Jesus lived out these verses as the perfect example for us by washing his disciples’ feet and commanding us as his followers to be willing to do the same for others. At the time Jesus washed the disciples’, feet they had no paved roads and they only wore sandals. Jesus was still willing to serve and he commands us to do the same, regardless of our bias toward the person. He calls us to love as he loves any and everyone. We know we are sinners, and we need to repent daily. Jesus says we will be honored if we follow and serve him.
APPLY:
Living out the ultimate command to love others is no easy task. Let’s be honest, we are supposed to love the person that hurt us? We are supposed to forgive the person that wronged us? The answer is yes. Loving and choosing to serve regardless of the circumstance and our emotions is what Jesus is trying to teach here. The next time you are faced with a difficult circumstance, instead of asking yourself “what do I feel like doing?” ask “what action would be loving this person as Jesus loves them?”
CLOSING PRAYER:
God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to live.