How did Jesus love His disciples? To the end, with passion, and not leaving anything in the tank.
"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." (John 13:1)
He did not quit on them. Oh, how easy it is for us humans to quit loving others! Just consider the statistics on divorce rates.
Jesus expressed his love toward the disciples by washing their feet—a task assigned only to servants in those days. He, thus, proved His love through the act of service and then said:
"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." (John 13:14, 15)
What was the principle behind this teachable moment? As much as faith without action is dead, love without service is also dead. By modeling and displaying what authentic love looks like, Jesus taught His disciples to do the same to others:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)
What lessons are impressed on our heart through the love taught, modeled, and instructed by Jesus?
1. Deny and relinquish all ‘rights’ associated with your position, prestige, and power; the only way to love your brothers or sisters is to relinquish your rights and refuse giving into the sense of entitlement (Phi. 2:6-8).
2. Live and practice serving others—and, as you do, remember that no servant deserves rewards. In fact, expect misunderstanding, condescension, mistreatment, and even derision. (Psalm 53:3)
3. Give all you got. We only have one life to live. And, we only interact with few people at a time. So, there's no need to "leave some in the tank." Go all in. Love as much as, and as far as, you can.
My underlying proposition here is that serving others is a no different than loving others. Yes, the latter's scope is larger, greater, and deeper. But, servanthood without love is unbiblical and will result in frustration and perhaps even resentment.
I recently spoke with a leader of a well-known Christian organization. He was clearly frustrated and saddened by how people responded to his service and ministry. You see, he has faithfully served his non-profit organization and staff for almost 20 years. Yet, he was despondent over the reality that his service and sacrifice were expected and even demanded by his followers. He told me that all he wanted in return was trust and comradery--nothing more, nothing less. But, all he got, according to him, were more demands, disrespect, and even disloyalty. As I listened to his story for hours, I can tell his heart was broken and in need of God’s touch. I know he's not alone because I, too, felt (and still feel) the same pain in my life and ministry.
To this point, how curative and instructive is Jesus’s examples and model when it comes to loving others! Jesus loved and served knowing that the disciples were not going to reciprocate His commitment. He loved without any expectations. He patiently and continually loved till the end—all in, no strings attached, and with no regrets.
What my friend needs—and what we all need—is a reality check. We as Christian workers must remember that our service is rendered ultimately to the Lord, not to other Christians or co-workers. We are simply His servants and "extensions" of His love. We are in no position to demand respect, loyalty, sacrifice, and love. If we are good in any way, that’s because of the goodness of Jesus in us. If we love, that’s because He loved us first. If we are patient, that’s because He is patient with us. If we forgive and bear others’ burdens, well, you get the point.
Thus, let us love and serve without expecting anything in return. I think that attitude will render pleasant surprises and joy when we do encounter those who are willing to reciprocate. But, that is to be the unexpected pleasures of life, not the norm.
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