John

Check out all the previous John readings here.

John Reading Plan | Week 8, Day 3

Prayer

Pause for a moment of quiet and stillness. To center yourself fully, take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. Repeat this process three times. Ask God to open your eyes to the amazing truths in His word today.

Bible Reading: John 13:12-17

Read these verses three times slowly.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Reflection & Questions

By Ken Mullette

After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus challenges their understanding of leadership and greatness. He reminds them that His act of service isn’t just a model of humility, but a call to follow His example. Jesus, as their Teacher and Lord, humbles Himself to perform a task usually reserved for the lowest servant. In doing so, He redefines greatness in the kingdom of God. It’s not about power, status, or position, but by the willingness to serve others with humility and selflessness.

Think of how we use templates in our daily lives. Whether it’s for writing, building, or organizing, templates provide us with a structure to follow, a clear guide for achieving a desired result. Just as we rely on templates to help us complete tasks effectively, Jesus offers us the template for true greatness. It’s a life of humble service. When we look to His example, we’re given a framework for how to approach leadership and greatness. It’s not through domination or prestige, but by lifting others up through love and care.

Just as a good template doesn’t just present a set of instructions but invites the user to apply it, Jesus doesn’t just present the idea of servant leadership, He calls us to DO it. He shows us the right pattern for living a life of service, not as a one-time act, but as a lifestyle. Each time we serve, we align ourselves more with the example Jesus set for us.

1. What are some specific ways you can apply the “template” of Jesus’ servant leadership in your own life?
2. How can embracing a servant-hearted attitude change the way you interact with others on a daily basis?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?