John 13:31-35 (NRSV)
Read John 13:31-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. Verse 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Verse 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' Verse 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. Verse 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Devotion
Jesus said, “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” Jesus showed his love by becoming a servant to each of them and humbly washing their feet. Let’s face it. Humility, generally speaking, is not a popular feature of American culture. We’re taught to be proud, to speak up and let our opinions be known—often at the expense of those in our culture whose voices have difficulty being heard.
What if all Christians took up the towel of servanthood, especially on behalf of those sisters and brothers who have been short-changed in positions of power and leadership in church and society? Is the love we have for Christ and the church strong enough to face this change? Peter and the 1st-century church faced change in the welcoming of the Gentiles. I think in light of the gospel we too can be open to change.
Prayer
Great God, your love has called us here. Help us be your expression on the earth today. Give us your strength so that through and with the Holy Spirit we can change into your likeness, one degree of glory at a time. Amen.