John’s Gospel gives a detailed account of Jesus’ last supper with his students. Jesus was clearly preparing them for the life-changing experiences of the next few days—his crucifixion and resurrection.
John reassures us that Jesus loved his students dearly. With great patience Jesus explained the true nature of his relationship to these students. He approved of them calling him “Lord” and “Master.” But there was an additional aspect to their relationship that Jesus wanted them to understand. He was “the way.” He demonstrated the kind of prayer and love and life that he expected his students to practice.
Following the last supper before his crucifixion, he modeled this love by the most extreme form of humility imaginable—washing the feet of each of his students. He explained, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).
