John 13 — The King, the Basin and the Towel

Jan29

Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 This is the first blog post of the year, and what a powerful chapter to begin with. Today we’re diving into John 13, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

This chapter begins with us witnessing one of the most counter-intuitive acts in history. Jesus, the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, picks up a basin and a towel and begins to wash the dusty, calloused feet of His disciples. This was not a symbolic gesture done for show; it was a radical demonstration of humility and love and a direct challenge to our own hearts: Are we willing to wash the feet of those God has placed in our lives?

[1] Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. [2] And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, [3] Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, [4] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. [5] After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. [6] Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” [7] Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” [8] Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:1-8 NKJV)

Verses 1-2 tells us something deeply moving. Jesus knew His hour had come. He knew that in a few short hours, he would be crucified. He knew that these same men, his closest friends, were about to desert and deny him. He knew betrayal was already in motion by one sitting at the very table with Him.

Despite all this, the Scriptures highlight: “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” That is, Jesus’ love did not falter or diminish in the face of impending suffering and disappointment. Instead, He chose to serve. Picture the King of Kings willingly stooping down to wash the dusty, dirty feet of those who would soon fail Him. This act was not simply about physical cleanliness, but a demonstration of a love so powerful and enduring that it challenges us to do more for Him and to share that same transformative love with those around us.

The act of washing feet was the lowest task in Jewish culture, normally reserved for the least important servant. Yet Jesus willingly took that position. He was teaching His disciples, and us, what true leadership in God’s Kingdom looks like. It is not about titles, status, or power, but about love expressed through humble service.

However, this service requires a certain level of surrender on our part. When Peter resisted, insisting that Jesus should never wash his feet, it looked like humility, but it was a form of pride. Peter was trying to maintain the social order he understood, but Jesus was introducing a new Kingdom where the least is the greatest. By telling Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” Jesus was showing us that we must accept his cleansing work to have a relationship with him. The washing Jesus speaks of goes beyond water; it points to the cleansing power of His Word. We cannot truly live for Christ or be a part of what he is doing if we don’t allow his Word to dwell in us, transform us, and have its way in our lives.

What is most striking is that Jesus performed this humble act while being fully aware of his own power. Verse 3 tells us that Jesus knew the Father had given him all things; he knew exactly who he was. He didn’t serve because he lacked authority or didn’t know his identity; he served because he was so secure in his authority that he didn’t need to protect it.

In the Kingdom of God, power is not used to punish, demand, or oppress, but to uplift. Jesus shows us that strength and humility are not opposites; they work together. You can be confident in your identity and authority and still choose to stoop low to serve.

If the One whom God called “My Beloved Son” was willing to kneel and wash feet, how much more should we be willing to serve those around us? Whether in our homes, churches, workplaces, or friendships, we are called to use whatever influence or position God has given us, not to exalt ourselves, but to love others well.

As we conclude today’s reflection on John 13, let us take a moment to examine our hearts. Are there areas, like Peter, where pride makes it difficult for us to be vulnerable? Are there places where we resist God’s cleansing work because it feels uncomfortable or humbling? Let us ask the Lord for the grace to surrender fully, to be washed, transformed, and shaped by His love.

Finally, what is one practical, “lowly” task you can do this week for someone in your family, workplace, or church that reflects the heart of Jesus?

Thank you so much for joining me in our study of John 13. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments so we can continue growing together in faith. 💛

John 12 – Extravagant love & deep surrender

Dec30

Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 Today we’re diving into chapter 12, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

Chapter 12 opens with a beautiful scene in Bethany. Jesus is visiting the home of Lazarus, the same Lazarus whom He raised from the dead in chapter 11. This moment is filled with gratitude, love, and worship. Each person in the household expresses honour and love to Jesus in a different way, and the details are so intentional and profound.

‘A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. ‘ (John 12:2-3 NLT)

Martha is serving, as she often does. This is her love language, serving Jesus with her hands and her energy. Lazarus is reclining at the table with Jesus, a living testimony of resurrection power and a reminder to everyone present of the miracle-working God standing in their midst. And Mary pours out a jar of expensive perfume, anointing Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair. Her act was intimate, costly, and deeply worshipful.

I love that Scripture highlights the differences between the three of them, each expressing love to Jesus uniquely, yet sincerely. It reminds me that we all have different ways of showing devotion to God. Worship is not a competition. The true measure is the sincerity of our hearts.

But not everyone celebrated Mary’s extravagant worship. Judas—who would later betray Jesus—criticized her, claiming the perfume should have been sold and given to the poor. Of course, he wasn’t truly concerned for the poor; Scripture tells us he was stealing from the money bag. His heart couldn’t comprehend such love.

From this I learned something important: not everyone will understand your devotion to God. Some will criticize. Some will judge. Some will question your sacrifice or the way you honour God. But don’t let that stop you. Jesus sees your heart, He values your worship, and He will defend you just as He defended Mary.

Jesus replied,
“Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:7–8 NLT)

As the story unfolds, many people flocked to see Jesus and Lazarus, the living evidence of His power. This made the religious leaders furious. Their jealousy and hatred had blinded them so deeply that they even plotted to kill Lazarus. Imagine plotting murder because people were turning to God! It shows how easily a heart consumed by envy and pride can drift from truth.

Later in the chapter, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy. The crowds shouted “Hosanna!” yet verse 16 tells us that the disciples didn’t fully understand these events until after Jesus was glorified. This stood out to me—the Holy Spirit is the One who helps us understand God’s work, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. What seems confusing today may make complete sense later when the Holy Spirit brings clarity.

Later in the chapter, Jesus makes some profound and challenging statement in verse 25 & 26:

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.”
“Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me… and the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” (John 12:25–26 NLT)

These words are challenging and liberating at the same time. Jesus isn’t telling us to hate ourselves or live recklessly. He’s teaching us that following Him requires dying to our own agenda and laying aside self-centred desires. To follow Jesus is to surrender control—to choose His way over ours. It’s a daily invitation to trust Him completely.

The Life Application Study Bible puts it beautifully:
“We must be so committed to living for Jesus that we “care nothing” for our lives by comparison. This does not mean that we long to die or that we are careless or destructive with the lives God has given us, but rather that we are willing to die if doing so will glorify Christ. We must disown the tyrannical rule of our own self-centeredness. By laying aside our striving for advantage, security, and pleasure, we can serve God lovingly and freely. Releasing control of our lives and transferring control to Jesus brings eternal life and genuine joy”.

Verse 26 continues by reminding us that to serve Jesus means to stay close to Him, imitate Him, and follow Him wholeheartedly. And then comes the promise: the Father will honor those who serve Him. What a beautiful assurance! God Himself honours and favours those who choose to follow Christ fully.

Toward the end of the chapter, Jesus reminds us once again that He is the Light of the world. Light exposes, reveals, clarifies, and guides. When we walk in the light, when we follow Jesus we cannot be overtaken by darkness.

‘Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. ‘ (John 12:35-36 NLT)

His invitation is simple but life-changing: Walk in the light. Trust in the Light. Become children of the Light.

Have you made the commitment to follow Him today? His arms are open. His light is shining. His call remains the same: Follow Me. And the promise still stands—the Father will honor you.

Today is a great day to say, “Lord, I choose You. I follow You. I lay down my way for Yours.”

Thank you so much for joining me in our study of John 12. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you the most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments so we can continue growing together in faith.