The word "love" is used in a variety of applications. One could argue that every action which is pleasing to God is motivated by love. The Bible illustrates many forms of love, bringing us the following question: What is central theme of this described love? The New Testament includes several different Greek words that can be translated to the English word "love," each carrying a slightly different meaning. Of these, it is "agape" love, a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, that appears most frequently. During the feast of the Passover, Jesus' own awareness is a very important part of the context. He knew "the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came from God, and was going to God" (John 13:3). This awareness of the Father putting everything "into his hands" is key to the context of the footwashing because this knowledge presents the sharing in the divine essence of God between Himself and the disciples. Jesus continues, "For He knew Him who would betray Him, therefore He said, 'You are not all clean"' (John 13:11). One of the key principles in Jesus' teaching of love is forgiveness. Judas has not yet given in to the temptation of the devil, but will do so in the near future. By washing Judas' feet, Jesus exemplifies his ability to love and forgive to the rest of his followers, despite Judas' future of betrayal. .
The New Testament also names the understanding of the Holy Spirit as among one of the greatest gifts of God. The Holy Spirit, God the Father, and Jesus Christ are the three distinct entities that together comprise one triune God. All work in communion with one another, as is shown, "This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear" (Acts 2:32-33).
