Daily demands of calling Jesus "Teacher"?
What does acknowledging Jesus as "Teacher and Lord" require from us daily?

Setting the Scene in the Upper Room

“You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:13-14

In one sentence Jesus locates two inseparable realities: He instructs us as Teacher and commands us as Lord. He then shows what that means by stooping to wash muddy feet.


Seeing Jesus as Teacher: A Heart Ready to Learn

Acknowledging Him as Teacher means I approach every day like a lifelong student.

• Consistent listening – setting aside unhurried time in Scripture (Matthew 11:29; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Open notebook mentality – expecting Him to challenge presuppositions and redirect plans (Psalm 25:4-5).

• Quick repentance – changing course the moment His Word exposes error (Hebrews 4:12-13).

• Receptive humility – never graduating from basic lessons of grace, faith, and love (1 Peter 5:5-6).


Honoring Jesus as Lord: A Will Ready to Obey

Calling Him Lord without acting is empty (Luke 6:46). Daily acknowledgment requires:

• Immediate obedience – obey first, sort feelings later (John 14:15).

• Whole-life surrender – placing career, relationships, finances, recreation under His authority (Romans 12:1).

• Servant posture – taking the lowest place, just as He washed feet (Philippians 2:5-8).

• Public allegiance – confessing Him openly even when costly (Matthew 10:32-33).


Daily Practices That Keep Him Front and Center

1. Begin the day with surrendered listening: read a Gospel paragraph, ask “Teacher, what are You showing me?” then write one actionable step.

2. Pause at decision points: whisper “Lord, direct me” before emails, purchases, or responses to people.

3. Choose one concrete act of foot-washing service—something lowly and unseen—for family, coworker, or stranger.

4. End the day with honest review: where did I learn well? where did I obey? where did I resist? confess and reset.


Promises for Those Who Follow Through

• Intimate friendship: “You are My friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).

• Growing likeness to Christ: “Everyone fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).

• Steady assurance: “If anyone keeps My word, My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).

Acknowledging Jesus as Teacher and Lord is not a title we pay Him but a rhythm we live—learning, obeying, serving, and resting in His promised presence every single day.

How does John 13:13 emphasize Jesus' authority as 'Teacher and Lord' in our lives?
Top of Page
Top of Page