John 13:1-20 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

I see two primary lessons through this section of Scripture. The first is informative and the latter is imperative. The informative explains what was discussed in the last devotion. The imperative builds off of that. Jesus, who is understood to be the Messiah here, served His people. He took the form of a servant and operated like that. What is told for the disciples is that they must follow Him in that.

What Jesus had done was relatively revolutionary. In an honor and shame culture, everyone was competing to get ahead. Jesus was secure in His relationship with the Father and had no need that reputation be protected. Contrary to the rulers, Jesus loved the praise of God more than the praise of men. As such, He served with divine purpose. So should the believer.

Jesus makes it clear that a servant is not greater than His master. If the believer is to follow Jesus and call Him master, He ought to do the same types of works. Why should Jesus subject Himself so lowly just for His followers to exalt themselves over Him and say they are too good to serve in like manner? That would be foolishness! The call is ultimately one for humility and intent to serve.

What lesson are you seeing?