David Knapp- 2014

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34

I was struck by the first two verses of this passage; “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.”

Had He not shown love the last three and a half years; the miracles, the teaching, the patient prodding? Jesus has just ridden into Jerusalem with a triumphant procession. Yet, he chooses now to wash his disciples’ feet. This is how He shows the ‘full extent of his love’? Much is made of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. He does the work of a servant, even though he knows one will betray him and the others will desert him. Maybe this should be the most poignant example of our Lord’s expression of love through humble service. Jesus tells us later in verse 35 that “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

When we couple this new command with Jesus example, we realize how difficult this is to follow. We need to give of ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe Christianity is like a limbo contest, how low can you go; how humble can you be in expressing love to one another for God’s glory. While new clothes, colored eggs, and candy seem to express our Easter celebration, maybe a few acts of selfless service would be a better demonstration of Christ’s work of salvation. What will be your mark this Easter? I hope the full extent of Christ’s love will shine through you.

Dear Lord you humbled yourself in so many different ways and on so many different levels. Your humility was one of the greatest expressions of your love. Lord, guard us against pride and selfishness. We ask that your spirit help us to express our love through acts of humble service so that the mark of your church might be our love for one another. In your humble, yet all powerful name, Amen.