When Love Bends Low: A Love That Serves

Welcome to the final day of our blog series, Falling in Love with Jesus! Oh, my heart is all soft and full of love as we dive into today’s passage. We’re about to encounter Jesus in one of the most tender and humbling moments of His ministry. So, grab your coffee and Bible, and let’s meet back at the square table by the huge window—the one with that breathtaking mountain view.

Today, we’re stepping into John 13:1-17, but I especially want to highlight verses 3-8 and take you deeper. I usually lean toward the NLT, but today, let’s explore the NKJV together!

The passage begins with these powerful words:

“The Father had given all things into His hands” (John 13:3).

ALL THINGS!

Jesus had the authority to grasp anything in His hands—power, dominion, even judgment—but what did He choose to hold? The unclean feet of the ones He loved. These were the feet of men who would abandon Him in His darkest hour, yet His love embraced their filth.

Then, in verse 4, we see something remarkable:

“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.” 

Pause and picture this. Jesus, the King of Kings, stood up from the meal, took off His outer garments—the same garments He wore to heal, perform miracles, and teach—and wrapped Himself in a towel, assuming the role of a servant. This wasn’t just an act of service; it was a profound statement of love. He willingly set aside His position as Teacher, Healer, and Miracle Worker to become the lowliest servant. Then, He knelt. The Son of God lowered Himself beneath His disciples, washing their feet with His own hands. Imagine the shock, the hush that must have fallen over the room. Peter, overwhelmed by the act, protested:

“You shall never wash my feet!” (John 13:8).

But Jesus responded with love, revealing that this act was more than cleansing—it was a symbol of the spiritual washing He offers to all who follow Him.

And here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus has that same love for you. Just as He knelt before His disciples, He meets you where you are—no matter how messy, broken, or unworthy you feel. His love doesn’t hesitate. It bends low, embraces the filth, and washes it clean.

As we close this series, let’s reflect: Are we willing to receive His love? And are we willing to follow His example by humbly serving others? The invitation is open—fall in love with Jesus, the Servant King, and let His love transform your heart.

Let’s keep shifting to Jesus together!