Tag: John 13
Demonstration of love
Scripture reading for April 23: John 13
“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” John 13:1-5
As Jesus Christ came to the final hours of His time on earth, He wanted to impress on His disciples His love for them and His command to love others by selfless serving. Jesus knew this was the final hour and He would soon depart and leave them. He knew that one of His disciples, Judas, had already betrayed Him for money. As an example to them all, Jesus took off His outer garments and put a towel around his waist and began to wash the feet of His disciples. This was not His place or responsibility according to the tradition of the Jews. This job belonged to the lowest of servants or slaves.
When we think deeply about this story, we realize that Jesus washed the feet of Judas as well that night and offered Judas mercy and intercession in this act. He announced shortly after, during the Passover meal, that one of His disciples would betray Him. This troubled His disciples and caused them to examine themselves and one, John, asked, “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:25) In response, Jesus said it was the one to whom He gave a morsel of bread dipped in the cup. He gave it to Judas. It was at this point that Satan entered Judas and he left to complete the betrayal.
This story is often used at Holy Communion, a meal of remembrance and thanksgiving, to help us as followers of Jesus Christ to examine ourselves and our own hearts. Are we humbly serving others and following Jesus, who laid down His body and blood for us? Do we harbor any betrayal of our Lord?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your demonstrated love for Your disciples and people. As I remember Jesus’ sacrificial love and service for me, a sinner, I am thankful and humbled. Deliver me from deception and the delusion of Satan. Use me to wash others feet or serve them as Jesus demonstrated. Amen.
Love one another!
Scripture reading for April 22nd: John 13
Key scriptures for over-comers: John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus had washed the feet of His disciples, demonstrating His love and servant’s heart for them. He also predicted that one of those He washed would betray Him and that Peter would deny Him three times! In the midst of this last meal, Jesus gave His disciples a new command: “Love one another!” This command was to be a sign to all men that His followers belonged to Jesus! Love does what is best for another. Love forgives. Love covers sins. Love never fails! The Father’s gift of the Holy Spirit would release a river of God’s love to flow from them! (Romans 5:5)
Observations for over-comers: Loving one another remains the greatest command of Jesus for those who will over-come the world, flesh, and the devil! A river of His love flows in our hearts by the Holy Spirit! “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:12)
“One of you will betray Me!”
Scripture reading for April 23rd: John 13
Loyalty is a valued trait in friendship or marriage. We like to know that those we are closely associated with will be faithful to us and have our back. The Bible states that those who have been given a trust must be faithful. (1st Corinthians 4:2) Jesus chose twelve disciples to share the ministry and become His apostles. One of them proved unfaithful!
Jesus had gathered His disciples together in the upper room for the Passover meal. To set an example of servant-leadership, Jesus had washed each of His followers’ feet. He showed them that the path to greatness was through serving. After He had done this, Jesus became troubled in His spirit saying, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray Me.” (John 13:21) This surprised the disciples and wondered which one of them it might be who would do such a thing. Peter boldly had John ask Jesus which one it was. “Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.”” (John 13:26) John records that Jesus gave the bread to Judas Iscariot and immediately Satan entered into him. He took the bread and went out into the night to quickly do what he had planned–betray Jesus for some money!
None of the disciples even suspected Judas and examined their own hearts. Judas had been seated close to Jesus in a position of honor. He was the treasurer of the group and was entrusted with their ministry funds. But Jesus knew what was in Judas’ heart and to help the others believe, identified Him before the betrayal. We must all search our hearts and allow Jesus to speak to us about our own loyalty!