A Reflection on John 13 + Free Devotional Download
✨ True Friendship: Purposeful, Humble, Vulnerable Love
A Reflection on John 13 + Free Devotional Download
Hi friends — as I’ve been sitting in the richness of Scripture lately for some of my writing projects, I felt led to share a few things along the way. Sometimes when I’m studying, I come across something that stirs my heart, and I can’t help but want to invite others into it too.
One example is from John 13 — a chapter that offers such a powerful picture of true friendship and love. What strikes me most is how Jesus, on the night of His betrayal, chooses to love with incredible purpose, humility, and vulnerability. He doesn’t turn inward or self-protect; instead, He bends low, washes feet, and offers His friends (and us) an example of love that endures, even when it’s hard.
🌿 A glimpse of what John 13 invites us into
👉 Purposeful Love (John 13:1-5)
Jesus’ love is telos love — love that sees the end goal. He loved His own to the end (John 13:1) — all the way to the cross, for the joy of redeeming us (Hebrews 12:2).
👉 Humble Love (John 13:6-11)
While Satan was striking at His heel (Genesis 3:15), Jesus bent low to wash feet — even Judas’ feet. The serpent-crusher chose to serve.
👉 Vulnerable Love (John 13:12-20)
Jesus’ love calls us out of hiding. Like the woman at the well in John 4 (if you have time today, go read that story — it’s so good!), when we’re fully known and fully loved, we find courage to step into community and say, “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did.”
👉 Enduring Love (John 13:21-30)
Jesus loved even when it cost Him — and He invites us to love imperfect people, fueled not by their worthiness but by His unfailing love.
👉 Overflowing Love (John 13:31-38)
His new commandment isn’t just to love as we love ourselves, but as He has loved us — purposeful, humble, vulnerable, enduring love. Through His Spirit, we become moving tabernacles — carriers of His presence, so others can encounter Him through our love.
✨ Free 5-Day Devotional
If this resonates with you, I’ve put together a simple 5-day devotional on John 13 that you can download for free. Just fill out the form below.
It’s full of Scripture reflections, journaling prompts, and creative ideas to help you engage deeply — whether in personal study or with a group.
