2025 Lent Devotional – Day 21

Lent Devotional: Day 21
The Call to Love and Serve
Mr. Surender Pokhal

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34-35

The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, washed His disciples’ feet, and gave them a new commandment: to love one another as He had loved them.

In an act that defied expectations, Jesus, the Son of God, knelt before His disciples and washed their feet (John 13:1-17). In those days, foot washing was a servant’s duty, yet Jesus—the Master—took on the role of a servant to demonstrate humility and love. When Peter resisted, Jesus responded, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” This was about more than physical cleanliness; it was a lesson in spiritual readiness. Jesus was showing that true discipleship and leadership are rooted in servanthood.
This act of Jesus challenges us to look into our own hearts. Do we serve others with the humility Christ demonstrated? Are we willing to love even when it costs us something?

Later that evening, Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples. As He broke the bread and lifted the cup, He said, “This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19). With these words, He established the New Covenant—not one based on the law but on God’s grace through His sacrifice. Every time we partake in communion, we remember Christ’s suffering, His love, and the forgiveness He offers. It is a sacred moment to reflect on His sacrifice and recommit us to living as His disciples.

Jesus’ commandment in John 13:34-35: “Love one another as I have loved you.” His love was not merely an emotion but an action—one that led Him to the cross. As His followers, we are called to embody this love in our daily lives.

May we serve as He served, forgive as He forgave, and love as He loved. In doing so, we become reflections of His light to the world.