Real love will always be expressed, sometimes in surprising ways. John wrote this verse to introduce the very unusual evening when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. Jesus knew that within 44 days He would be with Father God in heaven. And He knew that He would be crucified within 24 hours. The prospect of death always concentrates the mind; but instead of thinking about Himself, Jesus focussed on serving His disciples. But that was strange: after all, He was their Master and they were His pupils, learning from Him. They served Him and would never have expected Him to serve them. In becoming a servant, doing the menial job of washing dirty feet, Jesus showed how much He loved them. The foot-washing episode would demonstrate all of that. As Jesus personally took each filthy foot and washed it with His own hands, His slave-like service breathed out the language of love.
 
The cross was for their sakes also (and for ours), and they needed to know that it was no mistake or accident. Rather, it was love – deliberate, pre-planned, timed, voluntary and willing. There is no true love without sacrificial service. Love that does not express itself is not love at all. Jesus wanted His disciples and us to learn that lesson. Without His sacrificial love on the cross there could be no redemption of the world: without our sacrificial love the church cannot be built nor can Jesus be glorified.
 
Love is a choice to willingly obey those who have the right to command you, and willingly serve those who have no right to expect it. So a very practical part of following Jesus is to serve people for His sake. Opportunities for love-choices are scattered through every day. It is right to serve: it is the normal Christian life. As Jesus said in John 13:14-15: “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.” So, we need to make sure that we recognise the opportunities to love people through service and take thought-through sacrificial action that will show that we are following Jesus.