John 13:38

I’ve identified with John 13 for many years. Jesus washed his disciples feet and said, “I’ve given you an example… you should do also…” Then he says, “I give a new command – love one another…” How? “Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another… but this (love) everyone will know that you are my disciples that you love one another.”

• Love doesn’t mean that you ignore evil
• Love doesn’t mean accepting all actions
• Love means accepting people and seeking their best

“As I have loved you…”

How did HE love US?

• Emptied himself
• took up the nature of a servant
• came to where we are
• became one of us
• sacrificed himself to bring us to God

So, 2026 can be year when we lay down our lives… Lay down our rights to be honored, worshipped, and seek to be servants, love people, bring them to God.

Ask, “who do I need to love this year?”

• Draw near to them
• Become one of them

I’ve spoken and written on this passage many times – it is so human – They were busy wanting to know if they were “big time”, asking “can we sit with you in the Kingdom”. Here Jesus is talking love and mentions he is leaving, they can’t come… but they are focused on where and not the what. Peter says, “I will lay my life down for you.” Jesus responds, rather tongue in cheek, “will you lay your life down for me? You will deny me three times before the rooster crows.”

Then we break chapters from 13 to 14 – often stop reading… but Jesus is still talking as they leave the upper room and going toward Gethsemane, and says, “don’t let your hearts be troubled… I’m going to prepare a place for you… will return so that where I am you may be…”

Then 14:12, “the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do… even greater works than these… because I am going to the Father.”

In the power of the Spirit, according to the name and commands of Jesus, by the will of, and for the glory of God… Let us set our heart, mind, hands, and feet to this task for 2026.

Ask: What do I need to Lay Down?

• self-interests
• pride
• plans outside God’s plans
• desire for recognition

Make a List and Move