Love

by Dianne Eckermann

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I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15).

Read John 13:21–32

Today’s Maundy Thursday reading begins with Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, and it ends with a new commandment for the disciples to show love for one another just as Jesus shows his love for them. The section passed over in this reading is the reading from yesterday, describing how Jesus knows he will be betrayed and by whom.

The account of the betrayal is, therefore, bookended by love. It is out of love that Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. He includes all of the disciples, even Judas. John tells us in verse one that Jesus loves all of his disciples and in verse two that Jesus knows already that Judas will betray him. Yet Jesus still washes the feet of his betrayer. Once he has completed this loving service to his followers, Jesus asks them to do as he has done.

There is much we can consider in this apparently simple act of foot washing. Jesus humbles himself in undertaking a task normally done by a servant. We should, therefore, follow Jesus’ example of humility. His actions are also a service to others, so we could follow a life of service to others.

Jesus also makes it clear that his actions come from love, a love so genuine that it also includes love for those he knows who will betray him, deny him and flee from him. The full extent of his love could not be more clearly expressed. This love is more than forgiveness for someone who has wronged him – it is love right to the end for those he knows will betray him. To do as Jesus has done for us is often at odds with our human desire to put self first.

Lutheran theologian and anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer knew a lot firsthand about suffering at the hands of his enemies. Despite his suffering, he was able to explain in The Cost of Discipleship exactly what it means to follow the example of Jesus:

The Christian must treat his enemy as a brother, and requite his hostility with love. His behaviour must be determined not by the way others treat him, but by the treatment he himself receives from Jesus; it has only one source, and that is the will of Jesus.

While most of us will not be called upon to suffer to the same extent, we are still able to seek the will of Jesus in our own small way and, in loving one another, declare that we are Jesus’ disciples.

We thank you, Lord, for showing us how to love. We ask that you help us to show us how to share that love and truly be your disciples, especially when we find it difficult. Help us always to follow your example. Amen.

Dianne has served in Lutheran education as a teacher, school leader and system leader at Lutheran Education Australia. Now retired from full-time work, she continues to volunteer on several committees and as a school board member. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband, Robert, and is in strong demand as a babysitter for her three grandchildren.

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