John 13:15-20
February 23, 2026
John 13:15-20
CONFESS
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being; Whose face is hidden from us by our sins; And whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts; Cleanse us, we pray, from all our offenses; And deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires; That with lowliness and meekness we may draw near to you; Confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and our strength; Through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.
READ & REFLECT
John 13:15-20
15For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
Jesus has given us an example that we should follow it. Of course, it is one thing to know this, and another to do it. Jesus suggests it is the one who actually does what he says who is blessed. Jesus knows those who truly belong to him (those whom he has chosen) and those (like Judas) who ultimately reject him despite giving every appearance of being a faithful follower. Regardless of what a person might claim about his or her relationship to Jesus, we can infer that no one has truly learned to follow Jesus as Lord until they are willing to do what he says. In this case, that means abandoning all thought of power and position and humbly serving our brothers and sisters in Christ, recognizing that we represent Jesus to one another. That is why Jesus solemnly tells us that whoever receives the one Jesus has sent, receives Jesus himself. The way we treat one another reflects our true attitude toward Jesus. As John writes, “He who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4.20).
What excuses do you offer for not following Jesus’ example?
PRAY
Weekly Collect
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.