Love Each Other

During this period of Lent John 13 seems to be such an important chapter. Graham Kendrick captures it in his song:

All the room was hushed and still
And when the bowl was filled
He stooped to wash their feet
And when it was complete, he said

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (1)

This is what I’m asking you to do
This is why I’m kneeling here beside you
This is what I want my church to be
This is what I want the world to see
Who it is you follow

So he (Jesus) got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round him. (4,5)

Love each other
One another
Love each other
In the way that I have loved you
Walk together
And whatever comes
Love each other

‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’ (14,15)
Let the room be hushed and still
Let us go to where he kneels
And join him as he serves
And learn his ways of love, he said

‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ (34,35)

This is what I’m asking you to do
This is why I’m kneeling here beside you
This is what I want my church to be
This is what I want the world to see
Who it is you follow

Jesus teaches by his words and actions. The leader becomes the servant, up close and personal, touching and feeling. Experiencing dirt and grime. Working when others want to rest. Serving the one who would betray him, those who would run away and abandon him.

He says love one another in humble actions. Allow yourself to be loved by others in the way that they choose. Loving as I have loved is costly. It’s not about approval, status or acceptability. Love one another: here’s the example. No alternative. No short cut. No excuses.