The Love of Christ and the Call to Follow Him

John 13:1-38 - August 23rd, 2026

Sermon - Pastor Scott Thompson

John 13 marks a significant turning point in John's Gospel. Jesus is approaching the cross, and He knows exactly what awaits Him. Yet instead of focusing on Himself, Jesus demonstrates the depth of His love for His disciples.

John begins by telling us, “Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (John 13:1, ESV). Jesus knew His hour had come. He knew Judas would betray Him, Peter would deny Him, and the rest of the disciples would soon scatter. He knew the suffering that was ahead. And yet, He loved His own to the end.

That love is displayed when Jesus washes the disciples' feet.

In the culture of that day, washing feet was the work of a servant. Yet the One who is Lord and Teacher takes the position of a servant. Peter initially refuses, but Jesus tells him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with Me” (John 13:8, ESV).

Jesus was not merely teaching His disciples to be humble. His actions pointed to something much greater. The physical washing illustrated the spiritual cleansing that only Christ can provide. We cannot cleanse ourselves from sin. We need Christ to wash us.

Jesus then tells His disciples, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:15, ESV). The Christian life is not about seeking position, recognition, or personal glory. If our Lord willingly humbled Himself to serve others, His followers should be willing to do the same.

But the chapter takes a darker turn when Jesus identifies Judas as His betrayer.

What is striking is that Jesus is not surprised by Judas' betrayal. He knows exactly what Judas is going to do. Yet Judas remains responsible for his actions. Jesus willingly moves toward the cross according to the Father's sovereign plan, and Judas willingly carries out his wicked intentions.

Then Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34, ESV).

The standard for Christian love is not simply loving others when they are easy to love. It is loving others as Christ has loved us. His love is sacrificial, humble, and self-giving.

Jesus then tells Peter that he will deny Him three times. Peter confidently declares that he is willing to die for Jesus, but Jesus knows Peter's weakness better than Peter knows himself.

This is an important reminder. Our confidence cannot ultimately rest in our own strength, commitment, or faithfulness. Even Peter, who sincerely believed he would never deny Christ, would soon discover his own weakness.

But the hope of the Gospel is not that we are strong enough to remain faithful to Christ on our own. Our hope is that Christ is faithful.

John 13 brings us face to face with the humility, sovereignty, love, and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. He knew the cross was coming, yet He continued forward. He knew who would betray Him, yet He remained committed to the Father's will. He knew His disciples would fail Him, yet He loved His own to the end.

And that is the kind of Savior we have.

Christ does not merely command us to love. He first loved us. He does not merely tell us to serve. He Himself became the servant. And He does not leave us to depend upon our own strength. Our salvation and our perseverance ultimately rest in Him.

As we consider John 13, let us examine our own lives. Are we willing to humble ourselves and serve others? Are we loving others according to the standard Christ has given us? And most importantly, are we trusting in Christ rather than ourselves?

We always encourage everyone to check everything through the lens of the Scriptures. Be like the noble Bereans of Paul's day and search the Scriptures to see whether these things are true. Please visit us here for much more, and remember, Christ is enough.

Until we meet again, let us go serve our King and love as He has loved us!

FRF Family