What Jesus Did! 'Jesus' Love for His Disciples' — John 13:1

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.
— John 13:1 NLT

Key Thought

Many poems, songs, books, and movies have been written about true love. Jesus defines it. Jesus is on the eve of his own torture and death. He knows that of the twelve men in the room with him to share the Passover meal - the Last Supper - will abandon him. One will betray him, one will deny him, and they all will desert him. Nevertheless, Jesus stoops and does the work of a slave by washing their feet - described in subsequent verses. [1] He loves them to the end of his horrific journey despite their unfaithfulness. He shows them the full extent of love by performing a lowly task to serve them. If we pay attention, we can see what love is! [2] As John tells his Spirit-inspired story of Jesus, he doesn't leave it to our sense of discernment to pick up on the message. If we want to know about true love, we should watch and listen to Jesus in verses that follow in John 13 because these verses have a very significant demonstration of Jesus' love.

[1] John 13:3-5.
[2] John 13:12-15.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, I recognize that love is your very nature. I believe that your relationship with me is built on your great love for me and your desire to demonstrate that love to me. I confess, dear Father, that I am still learning to love as I should. So teach me to love as Jesus loves. Teach me to redeem others through my love. Free me from my inhibitions and selfishness that block me from loving others as Jesus did. In his name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 13:1 NLT — He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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