In John 13-14 we see Jesus’ love for his disciples, even at a time “when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father”. These chapters continue to show insight into Jesus’ thoughts and character, rather than merely recounting events that occurred during Jesus’ ministry.
John comments “having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end”, and Jesus demonstrated that love by washing the feet of his disciples. Jesus uses this opportunity to reinforce his teaching about the importance of service, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet”.
Jesus explains that love for others is a defining characteristic of discipleship. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” We’re called upon to follow Jesus’ example, “whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do”, and by so doing we demonstrate our love for Jesus, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me”.