Loving and Serving Others

As we examine John 13, we learn some of the most significant lessons the Savior taught during His earthly ministry, including:

Serve one another.

Love one another.

As the Savior and His Apostles met to observe the Passover meal, the spirit in the room was likely subdued. The Savior knew that He was about to be offered up and crucified. I am sure that even if the Apostles didn't then understand the significance of the events that night, they would soon learn and more fully comprehend the Savior's mission.

After supper Jesus took a towel, poured water into a basin, and washed the feet of each man present. The cleansing of the feet was done in reverence and humility as the Savior undoubtedly dealt with feelings of sorrow for events that would soon transpire, including His impending betrayal.

Peter, knowing that Jesus was the Messiah and promised Savior, wanted to serve the Lord rather than have the Lord serve Him. "If I wash thee not," the Savior said, "thou hast no part with me" (John 13:8). Then Peter readily consented to the Savior's loving service.

Afterward Jesus explained:

"Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (John 13:13–15).

Jesus wanted the Twelve—and He wants each of us—to learn that humility and service are worthy characteristics we should seek to obtain. He taught that no one is too important to serve others. In fact, one of the things that make us great is our willingness to serve and give of ourselves. As the Savior said, "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Luke 22:26).