What Jesus Did! 'Just Do It!®' — John 13:16-17

Saturday, September 12, 2026

[After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus said to them,] "I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them."
— John 13:16-17 NLT

Key Thought

A good friend once remarked: "I've yet to meet a Christian whose knowledge didn't exceed his obedience." His point was simple: Most Christians know far more of God's truth than they live. That doesn't mean we quit searching and seeking God's truth, of course, but it does mean that we need to practice what we know to be the truth! Jesus taught it long before Nike ever thought of it, "Just do it!"® The blessings in the words of Jesus can be found in putting them into practice daily!

Today's Prayer

Forgive me, Father, for the times I've frittered away my opportunity to learn more of the words of Jesus because I didn't want to have to obey them. Father, I do want to keep learning and growing in knowledge of you and your truth. I also ask, dear God, that you give me the courage to live with obedience to your Son's words as well as a passion for learning his teaching. In his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

12 Related Resources by Heartlight

Blessed by Doing!
Illustration of John 13:17
Inspirational illustration of John 13:17 -- Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
How dirty were your feet?
Illustration of John 13:15-16
Inspirational illustration of John 13:15-16 -- You call me Teacher and Lord and rightly so for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
Building a Culture of Honor: Serving
Article by Phil Ware
How do you break down the strongest barriers? The secret is simple, watch Jesus! Phil Ware continues his series on building a culture of honor and focuses on Jesus washing his disciples' feet on the eve of his crucifixion.
Blessed Gracious Servant
Article by Phil Ware
Sometimes we look God's greatest blessings in the face and miss them! Phil Ware takes a moment to remind us of the importance of serving those who are caregivers and holding them up as heroes and recognizing that these people are considered precious in God's Kingdom.
See All 12 Related Resources about John 13:16-17

Illustration

Illustration of John 13:16-17 NLT — "I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, September 12, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Secret of God's Will' (Ep. 1:9-14)
"Dear Father, King of an eternal kingdom, You have made known to us the secret of your will, the purpose which you set forth in Christ as a plan for....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Armin Gesswein:
"When God is about to do something great, he starts with a difficulty. When he is about to do something truly magnificent, he starts with an impossibility."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Angels Worship You' (Ne. 9:6)
"You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Deuteronomy 13:4
"It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him."

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.

More What Jesus Did!