Listen to today’s devo!

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17 )

Expanded Passage: John 13:12-17

A phrase I repeatedly heard while growing up was, “Pretty is as pretty does.” Far too often, the girls deemed most beautiful in my neighborhood were subject to the same temptations we all are, including jealousy, cliquishness, and self-absorption.

What might strike us at the end of Jesus’ teaching on and practice of foot washing is the adjective he used to describe those who follow his example: “blessed.” At the very least, it has countercultural connotations. It certainly does not denote happiness, health, wealth, or recognition. In fact, the same word is used in the Beatitudes to refer to the poor in spirit, the meek, and the merciful.

It’s a strange equation, indeed. Jesus didn’t say we will be overwhelmed, exhausted, and sometimes tempted to become bitter and jaded. What’s more, the Greek word used here (μακάριοί) means “very blessed” or even “supremely blessed.” The skeptic in us might consider this word choice idealistic or hyperbolic.

It’s easy to adopt a scarcity mentality when contemplating service, yet Scripture assures us, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Prov. 11:25 ). We are not told, “Blessed are you if you think about serving or talk about serving” but, “You will be blessed if you do” serve (John 13:17 ). As God’s promises are trustworthy and Jesus’ example is perfect, we should love boldly—and serve faithfully—in light of this blessed assurance.

Act as a role model: blessed is as blessed does.

Laurie Dashnau is professor of English and writing, and director of the writing center at Houghton University (NY). She regularly teaches Narrative and Personal Essay, and Writing about Spiritual Experience.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.