We learn from this passage what is the source of love in the life of Christ and how we too can be a people of such sacrificial love.

It is the Passover Feast when Jesus would die (v1) and John emphasises that Christ’s love for His own would be a love to the very end (v1). In 1 Corinthians 13 when Paul famously describes love, He is really describing Jesus and He says ‘love never fails’. What amazing confidence this should give the believer!

John sets the scene (v2), supper is at hand, Judas has already been taken over by Satan, but out of this dire situation the love of Jesus will shine so brightly. Jesus rises to wash the disciples’ feet (v3-5) which would have been a task done by the lowest of someone’s servants.

But what is most important is why Jesus did this (v3). It was because of the security and love He had in His relationship with His Father, that Jesus was empowered to do this.

It is a correct understanding of grace that gives the Christian such an amazing knowledge of their security and love in Christ that frees and empowers them to show love to others. It is the love of Christ flowing into the believer’s heart that then overflows in showing love to others.