The King Who Kneels, Part 2: Serving Like the Master (John 13:12–20)

Understanding True Greatness Through Humble Service

In the upper room, on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus performed an unimaginable act. The eternal Son of God, the King of Glory, took on the role of a servant and washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:1–11). But the lesson didn’t stop there.

In John 13:12–20, Jesus explains the deeper significance of what He had done. His act of humility wasn’t just a one-time gesture; it was a revelation of the heart of God and a call to every follower of Christ.

Jesus: Lord, Teacher… and Servant? (John 13:12–14)

After finishing, Jesus asks:
“Do you understand what I have done to you?” (John 13:12)

He reminds His disciples of who He is:
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” (John 13:13)

The key point?
If the Lord and Teacher stooped to serve sinners, how much more should His followers be willing to serve one another? Jesus’ humility was not a contradiction of His divine identity—it was the fullest expression of it.

Philippians 2:5–8 reminds us that Jesus, though being in the form of God, humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.

True leadership and discipleship are marked by self-forgetting, sacrificial service.

A Pattern for Life (John 13:15–17)

Jesus continues:
“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)

This isn’t about ritual footwashing; it’s about embracing a lifestyle of humble, tangible service, regardless of how menial or uncomfortable it feels.

Jesus reinforces:
“A servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” (John 13:16)

If Jesus, our Master, was willing to serve, we have no excuse to refuse the same.

And He ends with this promise:
“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)

The blessing isn’t in knowing—it’s in doing. Obedience to Christ’s model of servanthood leads to true joy and fulfillment.

Service Rooted in Gospel Identity (John 13:18–20)

Jesus acknowledges Judas’ betrayal, quoting Psalm 41:9:
“He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.”

But even betrayal fits within God’s sovereign plan.

For the faithful disciples, Jesus offers a reminder of their mission:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (John 13:20)

Their future service and mission reflect Christ Himself—and, ultimately, the Father.
Our service is grounded in knowing we are sent by Jesus, bearing His name and His message.

What Does This Mean for Us?
Know Who You Are Serving

Before we can serve like Jesus, we need to know who He is—our Lord, Teacher, and humble Servant.
How does knowing the humility of Christ reshape your view of leadership and service?

Blessing Is in Doing, Not Knowing

Admiring humility in theory is easy. Jesus calls us to put it into practice.
Where is God calling you to stoop low and serve others sacrificially?

Represent Jesus in How You Serve

Every act of service reflects the One who sent us.
When others see how you serve, do they see the heart of Christ?

Final Challenge

Jesus’ model is clear:
The King kneels. The Lord serves. The Teacher washes feet.

He calls us to do the same—not out of duty, but as the outflow of His grace and love toward us.

Are you willing to follow His example today?

Relevant Scriptures:

• John 13:12–20
• Philippians 2:5–8
• Psalm 41:9
• James 4:17
• 1 Peter 5:5–6