“In the midst of [the Last Supper], Christ quietly arose, girded himself as a slave or servant would, and knelt to wash the Apostles’ feet. (See John 13:3–17.) This small circle of believers in this scarcely founded kingdom were about to pass through their severest trial, so he would set aside his own increasing anguish in order that he might yet once more serve and strengthen them. It does not matter that no one washed his feet. In transcendent humility he would continue to teach and to cleanse them. He would to the final hour—and beyond—be their sustaining servant” (“He Loved Them unto the End,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 25).
The Joseph Smith Translation provides an additional insight into the washing of the disciples’ feet: ‘Now this was the custom of the Jews under their law; wherefore, Jesus did this that the law might be fulfilled’ (Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:10 [in the Bible appendix]).
“The full significance of this is not apparent to the casual reader, nor should it be, for the washing of feet is a sacred ordinance reserved to be done in holy places for those who make themselves worthy. It is evident, however, that the Jews also had sacred ordinances performed in their temple, a knowledge of which has not been preserved, nor could it be, in any literature that has come down to us” (The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979–81], 4:38–39).
“Occasionally one asks questions or attempts to speak about ordinances which are out of his knowledge and aside from his responsibility. A teacher is doing a disservice to his students when he incites curiosity or encourages discussion about those things which are not a part of their lives or of their experience—certain blessings that are touched upon in the scriptures, certain opportunities which are limited and which are given only by those who have the special authority and under special circumstances. … It would surely be wise for our teachers to leave these subjects alone and not worry about them nor worry students about them” (“The Ordinances of the Gospel” [address to seminary and institute of religion faculty, June 18, 1962], 2–3).
“In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children. Then go throughout the day with your heart full of faith and love, looking for someone to help. If you do this, your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before realized were possible” (“Be Anxiously Engaged,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 31).
“To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty—the fulfillment of which brings true joy” (“Guideposts for Life’s Journey” [Brigham Young University devotional, Nov. 13, 2007], 4, speeches.byu.edu).
“In New Testament times, those dining at formal meals often reclined on low couches placed around tables, leaning on their left arms with their heads toward the table and their feet pointed away from the table. Therefore, the guest seated to the right of the host would have leaned toward the host. This appears to have been where the Apostle John sat, ‘leaning on Jesus’ bosom,’ or reclining toward Jesus, during the meal (compare Luke 16:22). This position would have allowed John, the disciple ‘whom Jesus loved,’ to have private conversations with the Savior that would not have been heard by everyone at the meal, such as the one concerning Judas’s betrayal (see John 13:23–28)” (New Testament Student Manual [Church Educational System manual, 2014], 242).
“Two young missionaries knocked on a door, hoping to find someone to receive their message. The door opened, and a rather large man greeted them in a less-than-friendly voice: ‘I thought I told you not to knock on my door again. I warned you before that if you ever came back, it would not be a pleasant experience. Now leave me alone.’ He quickly closed the door.
“As the elders walked away, the older, more experienced missionary put his arm on the younger missionary’s shoulder to comfort and encourage him. Unknown to them, the man watched them through the window to be sure they understood his message. He fully expected to see them laugh and make light of his curt response to their attempted visit. However, as he witnessed the expression of kindness between the two missionaries, his heart was instantly softened. He reopened the door and asked the missionaries to come back and share their message with him.
“… This principle of having love one to another and developing our ability to be Christ-centered in how we think, speak, and act is fundamental in becoming disciples of Christ” (“He Truly Loves Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 17).
“Love is the beginning, the middle, and the end of the pathway of discipleship. … In the end love leads us to the glory and grandeur of eternal life. …
“When Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment to ‘love one another; as I have loved you’ [John 13:34], He gave to them the grand key to happiness in this life and glory in the next.
“Love is the greatest of all the commandments—all others hang upon it. It is our focus as followers of the living Christ” (“The Great Commandment,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 28–29, 30–31).
“The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service” (“Finding Joy through Loving Service,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 47).
“Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ” (“The Love of God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 22).