The heart of God

It was now the day before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. He had always loved those in the world who were his own, and he loved them to the very end. (verse 1)

Read John 13:1–17, 31b–35

How can you know what God is like? Look no further than Jesus, his Son. Before getting to the crux of his work on earth, Jesus shows his disciples the heart of God in his words and actions.

God is all-knowing. He knows what is about to unfold before it happens. He has known you before you were conceived and has a hope-filled future planned for you.

God comes to us in a humble way. Jesus stoops to the callused and dusty feet of his disciples to wash, to make clean. There is no corner of your life too disgusting for Jesus to stoop to and wash.

In Jesus, God serves people, even though he is Master. Christian worship is first and foremost God serving his people. He has thereby given you an example and the means to serve others.

Finally, God is love—and he instils his love in you. Through Jesus, God has given a new commandment for you to take hold of and live by: ‘As I have loved you, so you must love one another’ (verse 31).

My Saviour, Jesus Christ, wash me clean with your most precious blood. Give me a servant heart, so that I may love others as you love me. Strengthen me by your example and your presence in my life. Amen.

by Rev Simon Cooper, in ‘Living Water for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2001)

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