Love on One Knee

Bible Passage: Jn 13:1–11

Summary: John 13:1–11 depicts Jesus’ radical act of washing the feet of His disciples during the Last Supper. This moment highlights the extraordinary love that transcends social norms and expectations, challenging the disciples—and us—to adopt a posture of vulnerability and openness in our relationships with one another and with God. It serves as a reminder that authentic love often requires us to step outside our comfort zones and serve others selflessly.

Application: This passage serves as a call to action for Christians to embody love through humble service in a world filled with pride and self-interest. It encourages individuals to seek opportunities to serve others, especially those marginalized or viewed as less significant, as a reflection of Christ's love, thus fostering a culture of genuine community and support within the body of Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through actions of humility and service. By following Christ’s example of foot washing, believers are challenged to transform their understanding of leadership and power into one of compassion and service, echoing Christ’s radical call to love.

How this passage could point to Christ: The foot washing in John 13 foreshadows the ultimate act of love manifested at the cross, where Christ serves humanity by offering Himself as the sacrificial Lamb. This narrative invites believers to reflect on how Christ’s love continuously reaches down to cleanse and uplift us from our sins, completing the circle of service and redemption in the life of a believer.

INTRODUCTION

Set the scene: Final hours before Jesus' crucifixion, the Last Supper

In the upper room in Jerusalem, Jesus gathers with His disciples for what would be their final meal together before His arrest and crucifixion. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and uncertainty as the Passover celebration unfolds in unexpected ways. This intimate setting becomes the backdrop for one of Jesus' most profound demonstrations of love.

Passover is a commemorative dinner— remembering the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This is Thursday night.

There are 5 monumental chapters in John where Jesus shares very close and intimate time with his disciples. Outlining crucial truths for them, and us, in this final hours. In fact, in chapter 17, Jesus prays a powerful prayer for not only these disciples for for all who believe in Him forever— that’s us! We will use the next several Sunday’s of this LENT season to examine these promises and focus on the great Love that Jesus has for us— in these teachings. As if all of scripture isn’t remarkable in it’s own right— this is indeed a special time of year, and a special moment in the life of Jesus—He expresses his great love for us.

Scholars and commentators have agreed that this might be the section of scripture that best reveals the character of Jesus.

The first installment in in chapter 13— verses 1-11 outline the humble love of Christ as servant leader.

John II. Commentary: Loving to the Limit

MAIN IDEA: Like us, the disciples lived in a society that had rebelled against God. Like us, they learned more quickly from modeling and demonstration than by being told what was right. So on that final night before his death, Jesus exemplified love, explained it, and then exhorted his disciples to follow his example. How patient he was with Judas, how humble with these proud disciples! In contrast, Peter acted too “spiritual” to allow the Lord to wash his feet, but not too spiritual to command the Son of God!

Rather than merely speaking about love, Jesus chooses this crucial moment to embody it through a startling act of service. This isn't just another teaching moment but a lived parable that would leave an indelible mark on the disciples' understanding of their Master and His mission. The significance lies not just in what Jesus did, but when He chose to do it—at the precipice of His greatest suffering.

Big idea: "True love is demonstrated through humble service that transforms both the giver and receiver"

At its heart, this passage reveals that authentic love isn't abstract or theoretical but tangibly expressed through acts of humble service. When we serve others in love, we participate in a divine exchange that changes both parties—dignifying the one served while humbling the one serving. This transformative dynamic reflects the very nature of God's love for humanity.

1. Jesus shows love when it matters most. (v. 1-5)

John 13:1 NIV

1 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.

That sets up this whole series. All who believe are included at this table this night. It’s interesting that he loved them— to the end. Fully, to the max, eternally and infinitely.

Jesus knows exactly what's coming next.

John 13:2–4 NIV

2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

He knew the day and hour had come for him to be humiliated, arrested, betrayed. He also knew everything had been put under his power. That’s a unique place to be. Knowing what was about to happen, and also having the power and authority of God in that moment. What does he do? What would you do?

Jesus doesn't wait for the "right moment" to show love – He creates it, even with the clock ticking toward His crucifixion. While most of us would be freaking out about our own problems, Jesus focuses on serving others. He reminds us that there's never a wrong time to show love, especially when life gets tough and complicated.

Jesus loves completely, not halfway.

Your capacity to love is linked to your capacity and willingness to humble yourself.

Humility is the trait where we think of ourselves less, so that we are then able to think of someone else more.

Jesus didn't give His disciples a half-hearted, lukewarm kind of love. He went all-in, loving them completely despite knowing Judas would betray Him and Peter would deny Him. This wasn't a "what's in it for me" kind of love. It was the real deal – unconditional, no-holds-barred love that doesn't depend on what He could get back from them.

John 13:5 NIV

5 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.

Luke’s Gospel has a parallel passage, in chapter 22, describes this night as well. IN Luke’s account, this continuing argument about who among them would be the greatest. (It’s Luke 22:24) It may be because of this— that in the middle of dinner, Jesus doesn't just talk about serving others – He actually does it. He gets up, takes off His outer clothes, wraps a towel around His waist, and does the job usually reserved for the lowest servant. This wasn't for accolades or admiration, it was genuine love that rolled up its sleeves and got its hands dirty. He rebuke’s their pride in a most vivid and practical way.

Jesus did what nobody was prepared to do.

Jesus knew exactly who he was, and what the Father had entrusted to him— read in verse 3 again— All things were under his power… He also knew he had come from the Father, and he was returning to the Father.

When we're secure in who we are – loved by God, with purpose and value – we don't need to prove ourselves through achievement, power, wealth, or anything. Like Jesus, who knew exactly who He was and where He came from, we can serve others without worrying about looking uncool or losing status. Real confidence doesn't come from being served but from being free to serve.

Let me tell you about Terry Fox, who ran across a huge portion of Canada, in the year 1980, to raise money for cancer research while fighting cancer himself. He could have spent his limited time focusing on himself, but instead, this young man used every ounce of energy to help others who were suffering like him.

His Marathon of Hope wasn't about getting famous – it was about making a difference, inspiring those who struggle with that terrible disease while he still could. It’s a little known, but remarkable story of love and concern for someone else… It is inspirational when we see and hear of these people and the wonderful acts of Love they complete.

Jesus knew what was coming in the next hours and days— he chose to love completely and stooped down to serve his followers in ways that they did not expect. There is a royalty in serving. Jesus was as close to God as anyone could be, which we would think would separate him from us— yet it’s his closeness with God the Father that drives him to be the nearer to men than ever at this moment. It is in serving, and being served that relationships can be strengthened.

This should stop us and make us think. How many times have I stood in my own dignity, thinking I deserve a particular place or status, when actually I should be taking a knee and serving. I have felt this way— somehow my dignity or status fades away when I think of the Son of God, my savior on bended knee with a towel wrapped around himself washing feet. It echoes in my mind the powerful words that Jesus taught us— “If you want to be great, you will be a servant of all.”

2. Pride gets in the way. (v. 6-8)

Jesus completely flips the script on serving and loving each other.

We are all shocked when we think about this picture—that's the level of shock the disciples felt. In their world, important people didn't serve; they were served. Jesus completely flips this script, showing that in God's kingdom, greatness isn't about having people serve you but about how willing you are to serve others.

Then a very interesting interaction occurs next:

Peter refuses to let Jesus wash his feet.

John 13:6–7 NIV

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

John 13:8 NIV

8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

Peter's reaction is relatable – he's basically saying, "This is way too awkward and wrong!" It's like when someone offers to pay for your meal and you argue about it. Peter struggles with receiving help and being vulnerable. His pride makes it hard for him to let Jesus serve him because it means admitting he needs cleaning – something we all struggle with.

Many of us feel this way— and live lives where we are resistant to being served this way.

I have a very clear and powerful memory of when I more deeply understood this truth:

In the summer of 2017, I was able to travel to San Luis Rio Colorado, a mid-sized Mexican city just south of Yuma AZ. We travelled there for a week to assist and serve children in a before and after-school outreach program called Eli House Mission. It is a place for the poorest children and their families in the city to participate in programs to help them in all areas of life.

It was my first experience out of the US, out of an English speaking culture, out of everything that makes us who we are… One very crucial experience I had, among many on that trip, was to participate in the mission’s monthly trip to the region’s landfill— this 40-50 acre area was like no place I had ever been. Everything is so dry there, yet the garbage and refuse from the city stunk like you’ve never smelled. The reason Eli House goes there, is that on any given month, there may be up to 30-50 people who are homeless and are living there. Drug addicts, run-a-ways, orphans, all represent the lost and the forgotten… Eli House collects clothing, shoes, food, and anything that might help these people regain some traction in life. They visit with groups each month, and within about 15 minutes everything we had brought in a fairly large box truck was distributed to everyone. They also share the gospel good news of Jesus with these people— that was my assignment. Through an interpreter, I got the chance to speak with 3 men—but the interpreter was my life line to speaking or communicating. Later that night we processed and I was prayed over by my interpreter— I was so moved by my need to be helped by nearly everyone— but this man in particular. If I didn’t trust him and allow him to serve me— we wouldn’t have any relationship.

Having particularly the men- the humble and hardworking fathers of many of the children in the program serve us was humbling, yet very special. I realized my block for deeper relationship because i don’t easily accept someone serving me, or helping me. In Mexico- I had little choice— but I discovered that the level to which we allow each other to serve each other- that is the level of relationship we can have.

And that is precisely Jesus’ point with Peter:

Jesus makes it clear: no washing means no relationship.

Jesus doesn't back down when Peter objects. Instead, He drops this truth on him: refusing to let Jesus serve you means refusing relationship with Him. It's a powerful reminder that following Jesus starts with admitting we need His cleansing – we can't clean ourselves up first. Accepting His service to us is step one in being in relationship with him. That’s fairly easy with Jesus— right? He’s Jesus. But how about someone else?

Your pride creates blind spots in your relationships.

We all have pride blind spots – maybe you refuse to ask for help for something— or even resist asking for others to even pray for you, or won't let friends see you cry, or only serve in ways that get recognition. What would change if you let people help you sometimes?

Where might you serve in ways nobody will post about or praise?

Pride builds walls; humility builds bridges.

It's like a star quarterback or point guard staying after practice to pick up equipment while his teammates head to the locker room, or the most popular student, or valedictorian in school sitting with the student everyone ignores at lunch. These moments feel jarring because they break unwritten social rules about who serves whom, or who belongs with whom– exactly what Jesus did with the disciples. The master stoops down and takes the responsibility of the lowest. And then as we will read— tells them to go and do the same thing with each other.

Let’s continue, because Peter swings from one extreme to another.

John 13:9 NIV

9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

3. Getting clean and staying clean (v. 9-11)

Classic Peter – going from one extreme to another! First it's "no way," then it's "wash everything!" Peter still doesn't get it, trying to control how Jesus serves him rather than simply receiving what Jesus offers.

Jesus explains salvation versus daily cleansing.

Jesus uses this moment to correct and instruct: there's a difference between the one-time bath of salvation and the daily foot-washing of walking with Him.

There is a bit of culture from back then that might help us understand this more:

It was a custom for those living back then to wash themselves really well before they were to attend a banquet or feast. “The washing of the Entry” was all the guests needed when they arrived— just their feet. It’s as if Jesus is saying to Peter— yes, you have been washed and bathed— but it’s just your feet that need this refreshing.

Your baptism in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit— that represents that washing.

It's like having a shower in the morning (you're clean!) but still needing to wash your feet after walking around all day. Jesus is saying that believers are already clean at their core but need regular "spiritual foot-washing" to deal with daily life.

The foot washing points forward to the cross.

This whole foot-washing scene is a foreshadowing for what's about to happen on the cross. The water in the basin points forward to Jesus' blood; the humble service hints at His ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is giving them a physical experience to help them understand the spiritual cleansing His death would provide – making the invisible visible through this powerful object lesson.

Regular spiritual cleansing keeps our faith fresh.

Just like you wouldn't go weeks without showering, our spiritual lives need regular cleansing too. This happens when we honestly confess our sin to God and sometimes to trusted friends. But we also participate in this cleansing by helping others – by listening and praying without judgment, offering support without strings attached, and being Jesus' hands and feet to people who need spiritual refreshment.

Illustration: When regular acts of service create a healthier community

Regular acts of serving one another create an atmosphere where people thrive because they feel both valued and valuable.

4. Flipping the script in love.

Jesus' foot washing totally disrupts our pride.

By washing His disciples' feet, Jesus shows that His love is expressed in humility. When we follow His example, we help create spaces where everyone is treated with equal dignity regardless of their social status.

True strength comes from being vulnerable, not powerful.

By kneeling with a towel, Jesus shows that true strength isn't about your power or status, but being secure enough to be vulnerable.

How can we best apply this today?

Small acts of genuine service can start a chain reaction.

When the most respected person in a group serves others, it gives everyone permission to do the same. Where might you be the most respected person? In your family? Maybe in your vocation? We as leaders of the church have an excellent opportunity. I aspire to be this kind of leader, who isn’t above any task here at the church.

Your willingness to serve could spark something bigger than you imagine.

Modern foot washing happens in everyday moments.

What would modern foot washing look like in your life? Maybe it's texting someone who's going through a tough time just to check in.

Maybe it's helping a sibling with chores without being asked. Maybe it's standing up for someone being picked on, tutoring someone struggling in class, or simply listening to someone who needs to talk. Look for the unglamorous ways to serve that nobody else wants to do.

Upper Room love is the goal. It’s not superficial, it’s significant. This is the goal of a fellowship of believers, on the path of discipleship together.

CONCLUSION

We've seen Jesus serve with complete awareness of who He is, Peter struggle with receiving that service, and the transformative power that comes when we both accept Jesus' love and extend it to others. This pattern continues in our lives as we learn to both receive grace and give it away through acts of humble service.

Return to the big idea: Love shows up in how we serve

The heart of Jesus' message isn't complicated: real love gets its hands dirty. In a world obsessed with being served, standing out, and climbing up, Jesus calls us to the revolutionary act of kneeling down to serve. The basin and towel remind us that love isn't just something we feel or say – it's something we do, especially when it costs us something.

Challenge: One foot-washing moment this week

Before you leave today, think of one specific person God might be calling you to serve this week. Maybe it's someone who's difficult to love, someone everyone else ignores, or someone you've been avoiding. Choose one concrete way to "wash their feet" – not to get credit or thanks, but simply to show Christ's love in action.

The real test of the saint is not preaching the gospel, but washing disciples’ feet, that is, doing the things that do not count in the actual estimate of men, but count everything in the estimate of God.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)