John 13 tells the well-known story of the time Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Here Jesus taught his followers a lesson on the importance of humble service.

How was Jesus able to get his mind off of his upcoming appointment with the cross in order to serve in such a memorable way?

Perhaps verse 3 holds the key—“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.”

Jesus knew 3 things. First, he had the power of God at his disposal. Second, he had come from God. Third, he was going to return to God.

While our situation is quite different from that of Jesus, it is similar in some ways. First, we too have power from God—the Holy Spirit who lives in all believers. Second, we know that we come from God. We have been created by him and for him, and we have been born again through the grace that he has shown us through Jesus. Finally, we know where we are going. Our final destination is to be with God in heaven forever.

Knowing what we know gives us the freedom, the power and the desire to serve others.