John 13:31-35 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
 
“HAVE love for one another.” We often hear this in church, don’t we? This foundational truth is taught early and often in Sunday school. Jesus’ love command is also taught early and often in the Bible through the Law of Moses, the Proverbs and the prophets. Why then does Jesus call this a new commandment?
   I believe Jesus was calling his disciples to consider their relationship with one another as a model for the church to come. You might think that having love for one another would be a natural thing for these 11 remaining disciples. Instead, an active, God-based love would be a significant challenge for these men. Consider how they were of various backgrounds, gifts, visions and desires. We know they had different thoughts, and each had his own reasons for being with Jesus. They argued, were jealous of each other and there was division among them. James and John, for example, asked for special favor in the coming Kingdom. (Mark 10:37) Jesus, too, had chosen an inner circle among the Twelve because they God had a unique purpose for each. Pride and jealousy was evident in the disciples.
   To minister the gospel as one faithful force, they would need to overcome these sins and be unified in one purpose, one vision and one passion. That passion would begin by having love for Jesus. In turn, truly loving Jesus, they would love each other with respect, honor, submission, patience, kindness and singleness of purpose. In this way, these true disciples would demonstrate to the world the Savior’s “I’ll die for you.” love. Indeed, this is a new commandment because it is very personal and very necessary in God’s church.
   Yes, it’s still the same today, isn’t it? We who confess Jesus belong to a church. We come from different backgrounds. We have unique reasons for being there, different visions of what we want the church to become. But Jesus wants us united through our love for him. Such a love is necessary, so the world will know Jesus’ love is truly life-giving.
   How do we do this? One primary way to have love for one another in the church is with spiritual care. Engage with others in small group Bible study. Learn of Jesus together. Be loving to ask, “How may I pray for you this week?” Encourage with, “I see Jesus in you as you care for others.”
   Let’s focus with one love for the one God: Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
 
Prayer: I pray, Spirit, that by our love all people will know that we are Jesus’ disciples, if we love one another. (from John 13:35) Amen.

John 13:25-30 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, 28 but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
 
LUKE also records this moment with these words: Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
   See in this moment how we must be alert for Satan’s schemes. Even as Jesus was beginning the New Testament of grace with Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper), Satan was acting to disrupt Jesus’ intimae, sacrificial promise. Judas received the bread to betray the Bread of Life. He left Jesus’ presence to be present with evil.
   And that is our choice. We either choose to be with Jesus, or we choose to oppose Jesus. We receive life. Or we receive death. That is what happened in the Garden of Eden. It happened with Cain, Esau, Joseph, Jacob, King Saul (1 Samuel), David and others. To these men God had effectually said, “Be Mine. Come, follow me. Obey My commands. Live in my strength and joy.” But each turned their ears to Satan. Some chose to remain lost from God’s promise forever. Others repented and were forgiven to return to the Lord. The Deceiver works to weaken our faith. He gives us excuses and selfish reasons to go out into the “night” of destruction.
   See then, how Satan deceived the disciples. Jesus had just identified his betrayer “is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” He openly gives the bread to Judas. He tells Judas to go, but the disciples don’t understand. Before their eyes is the answer to their question. Still his disciples do not understand.
   Let’s us be attentive to the tempter’s persistent desire to break our communion with Jesus. Listen closely. Understand clearly what the Lord is telling you. Remember Jesus has given his body and blood for you. Remain faithful to his intimate communion with you.
 
Prayer: Teach me, Savior, of your great love, your true commands and your unyielding righteousness. I want to live your words in my heart. Amen.

John 13:21-24 Jesus said, “I am telling you the truth: one of you is going to betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another completely puzzled about whom he meant. 23 One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was sitting next to Jesus. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him and said, “Ask him whom he is talking about.”
 
AS often as I’ve read this, my first thought has been that the disciples were eager to know Jesus’ betrayer, so they could confront him and protect their Master. This can be true.
   But now I wonder if they had another reason. Perhaps the disciples were concerned about their own guilt. Is it possible each was wondering, “Is it I?”
   Do you ever wonder, “Is it I who will betray Jesus?” Oh, you might respond, “It’s too late to betray the Lord of Life to his death. Judas did that.” And thankfully, wonderfully, we know Jesus triumphed over Judas’ betrayal to reign as our King in Heaven. So it’s safe for us, right?. None of us could possibly betray Jesus.
   Or could we? Or do we? Let’s consider these questions: Do you love God with all your heart? Do you love your neighbor as yourself? Do you accept Jesus as Lord of your life? Do you take up your cross to follow Jesus? Do you speak of Jesus’ love to others? Do you forgive? Do you worship the Lord God only? Do you serve in submission to your Savior’s call?
   “Betray” can mean to “let down”, to “deceive”, or to “turn in”. I think we at times “turn in” or trade Jesus’ ways for our own ways. We betray his commands for our own desires, don’t we? Yes, we deceive Jesus with, “I’ll follow you, Lord.” Then in a moment’s temptation, we decide to go elsewhere. We let down our Lord when we remain silent while others mock him. The “betrayal list” can become very long.
   Yes, it is easy for us to look at Judas and judge him, “Betrayer”. But let’s look to Jesus and ask with a confessing heart, “How have I betrayed you, Lord?” Knowing Jesus is alive, reigning in heaven, means you can confront those heart betrayals that keep you from the king with an assurance he will strengthen your faith. Let’s be purposeful to lessen the ways we betray Jesus. Instead, “let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name. (Hebrews 13:15) Affirm your heart is firm for Jesus.
 
Prayer: Forgive me, Lord God, for the many ways and times I have betrayed my faith in you. I pray I confess you with my mind, mouth, hands and feet. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 

John 13:12-20 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’ 19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. 20 I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”  
 
JESUS asked his disciples, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” That is the question that sounds through the ages. Do you understand?
   Do you understand Jesus, the Son of God, was born on earth for you?
   Do you understand Jesus came from heaven’s glory and lived a difficult physical life for you?
    Do you understand Jesus was betrayed for you?
   Do you understand Jesus was lashed for you?
   Do you understand Jesus was pierced for you?
   Do you understand Jesus suffered a horrible death for you?
   Do you understand Jesus was buried for you?
   Do you understand Jesus is risen for you?
   Do you understand Jesus is ascended for you?
   Do you understand Jesus will receive your confession of sin?
   Do you understand Jesus has sent his Spirit to turn your heart in faith to him?
   Do you understand Jesus will welcome you to heaven as you confess your faith?
   Do you understand Jesus will not count you as his own if you deny him?
   Do you understand, “You will be blessed if you do (Jesus’ actions and words)?”  
   Judas didn’t understand. He is forever condemned. I pray you understand, and you help others understand this eternal difference: 1 John 5:19-20 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.  
 
Prayer: (From Philemon 6) I pray that we may be active in sharing our faith, so that we will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. I pray in Jesus’ name and wisdom, amen.
 

 

John 13:6-11 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
 
I have heard many, many teachings about Peter being too outspoken. It seems the general response among the Christian church is to label Peter as impulsive, prone to speak before he thinks. He seems to periodically argue with Jesus and reject the Lord’s teachings. Sadly, we focus on Peter’s denial of Jesus. Yes, that was a hard, tragic event; yet, God permitted it and used it for his purposes, didn’t he?
   And Jesus uses this foot washing and Peter’s passion for God’s purposes, too. Again, we might react, “Peter is disobeying Jesus again.” But let’s see Peter here as the most faithful of the 12 disciples. Think of it. Jesus is going from one disciple to another, doing a slave’s work. There is Peter. He is watching. He is wondering, “What is Jesus doing?” Here’s why Peter would question Jesus’ servant work: Matthew 16:15-16 Jesus aske, “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It is no wonder that Peter said, “you shall never wash my feet.” Peter was raised to submit to God. He is living into his faith. There is no way he will allow the Holy Son of God to wash his dust-laden feet!
   But then Jesus explains the reason for the washing. It is Jesus’ demonstration that we must fully receive him into our lives. We must completely receive his holiness to cleanse us. One cannot be partly saved; nor, can we be a part-time servant. We must respond to Jesus’ saving work as Peter faithfully confessed, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” After the cross and Jesus’ resurrection, the 11 faithful disciples would understand the power of Jesus’ cleansing blood completely washing them.
   I pray you understand this, too. Seek Jesus’ full cleansing. Live into this powerful encouragement: Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
   Jesus is Living Water. He washes you clean of sin. He cleanses your soul to receive his teachings. He purifies your heart to love God and love others. May Jesus wash all of you.
 
Prayer: Wash me, Lord, with your redeeming, born again power. Amen.
 
 

John 13:1-5 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
 
DO you see some “conflict” or illogical connection here? Think of it. The most powerful authority in the world performed a slave’s task. Why does the eternal Son of God so humbly serve his disciples?
   Jesus is model. He is showing us how to live in his resurrection power. Serving the One who served us even unto the cross requires we change our attitude from, “I” to “You”. With a servant’s heart, your life models Jesus’ life. You become empowered to release your own desires to more readily see how you can care for others. A servant’s heart strengthens you to genuinely “love one another as Christ has loved you” (from John 13:34). In faithful, active love, you seek each day to answer, “How can I love someone for you today, Lord?”  
   Here’s an example. One day I heard a teaching at a Bible study on the word “hospitality”. “Hospitality” comes from “hospital’, meaning to offer care and comfort to people. During the teaching I sat with two men who each had just before the lesson, shared a “hospitality story”. One had been helped by a stranger. Another was helping a person deal with great physical brokenness. Also, a third man was motivated after the lesson to go that day and care for someone he had forgotten. Jesus was being real in these hospitality circumstances. The Spirit was stirring hearts to humbly love others. The Spirit was moving hands and feet to serve as Jesus served us.
   Jesus often demonstrated that humble service is a God thing. We need a heart for Jesus to have Jesus’ hospitable hands and feet – even as they may be pierced with nails.    Yes, the needs are many. And people who need help often refuse to humbly submit to godly help. Being a servant is hard work. It requires diligent attention to often difficult tasks. Yet, as Jesus’ disciples, this is our calling.
   Truly we can’t help everyone. But perhaps we can help one or two. Maybe there is someone who needs a call, an invitation to a meal, a listening ear, an errand run or a bit of your time to say, “You matter to me. You matter to God.”
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your eternal service to my soul. Humble my heart, my hands and feet to serve you today, Lord God. Amen.
 
 

John 12:44-50 Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 47 “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
 
The Son continues to speak of his intimate relationship with th Father. Believing in Jesus is believing in the Father, also. The Holy Trinity is one God in three persons. If you say, “I believe in God.” you are confessing your faith in the Father, Son and Spirit.
    Then Jesus issues a warning. Warnings are good, aren’t they? They keep us safe, for example, when a road sign warns us of sharp curves and steep hills ahead. We slow down and drive along the road safely, unless…
    Unless we disregard the warnings. If we ignore the signs and drive too fast, our unbelief in the signs would damage our car and possibly even kill us and/or our passengers. In a like manner, Jesus teaches us to obey his “signs” – his words. He implores us to navigate our lives, heeding his truth. Dismissing Jesus, the Father will judge us.
    How horrible it would be to travel through life disobeying Jesus. We would miss the essence of his grace and love. But worst of all, we would end our journey to be judged by the Father into Hell! It’s an indescribable, horrific picture. This is judgment with no parole, no clemency or no delayed sentencing. It is a judgment for eternity (Let this sink in—e-t-e-r-n-i-t-y). If you reject Jesus, the Father will reject you on that Day of Judgment.
    Indeed, you have one life, one opportunity to believe in Jesus, to live into his words. You have no second life for a second chance. Final judgment is forever.
    Heed Jesus’ words. Help others do the same. Be loving and urgent to tell the gospel truth.
 
Prayer: I rejoice in your words, Jesus. I pray for a true understanding and desire to live as you teach. I pray to love my neighbors to tell them of your true road to life. Amen.
 
 

John 12:42-43 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
 
OH, I don’t like this scripture. It speaks to my faith weaknesses. How often do I consider inviting someone to church or asking a person about his thoughts on Jesus, but I inwardly speak an excuse? “Surely he won’t be interested. He might laugh at me. He might ridicule me or my church. It’s better if I keep quiet. I’ll just make small talk.”
    It’s really “small faith” talk. That’s deceit, isn’t it? I say that I love Jesus, but do I act and talk as if I do?  Too many times I prefer the approval of men.
    Occasionally, though, I get a glimpse of life lived more lovingly with Jesus. For example, when I pray with a stranger who has just shared some deep anxiety, I feel God’s presence and his hand on me. When I invite someone to church, and they talk about issues in their life, I can encourage them. I feel empowered to speak my love and Jesus’ love for them. Sometimes I confront lies about the Bible face-to-face with someone who publicly ridicules God’s Word. I then feel empowered to stand firm for the truth when that situation arises again.
    In other words, when I show my love for Jesus by helping others know him, I sense he is close by saying, “Thank you. I love you, too.”
 
Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, for seeking men’s approval. Strengthen my love and joy in you to always lovingly stand with you. Amen.

John 12:34-41 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”  35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. 37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn – and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.
 
THE people asked Jesus a direct question, “Who is the Son of Man?” This was a great question. The Son of Man was a reference in Daniel to one who came directly from God and given authority to reign on earth. Daniel 7:13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days (the LORD God) and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” You can see why the Jews asked, “Who is the Son of Man?”
    Why, then, did Jesus not give a direct answer, do you think? Wouldn’t a direct answer, “I am the Son of Man.” have moved their hearts to believe?
    Let’s consider what we have read in John. Jesus has many times taught, “I am in the Father, and the Father is in me.” (John 10:38) He has spoken of his work to do “only what he sees his Father doing” (John 5:19b). He has declared he is the one given authority from the Ancient of Days.
    Even more, Jesus has directly identified himself as the Son of Man as recorded in Matthew 9:6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” In short, Jesus has repeatedly answered, “Who is the Son of Man?” through his words and actions. Jesus knows their hearts are dark. That’s why he urges them to see the light as he stands before them.
    Jesus affirms the Jews’ unbelief as he relates it to Isaiah’s prophecies. The Lord desires they see the darkness in their hearts, so they will turn to the light, believe in the Son of Man and be saved.
 
Prayer: Lord God, I pray you will reveal to me the things I do not see in you. Turn my eyes, heart and mind to more truly live in you. Amen.

 

John 12:27-36 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. 30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
 
JESUS had two natures. He was God, and he was man. This is why we can call him “Savior”. The perfect “firstborn” Son of God (Hebrews 1:6) fulfilled God’s law to be God’s sacrificial Lamb. Still it’s true, in Jesus’ “man” or human nature, he also knew doubt and fear. The man knew the horrid cross is near. He has likely seen Rome’s victims horribly executed as Rome placed them in public view along roadsides for all to see and fear Rome.  
           Jesus, the man, doesn’t want to go. Jesus’ human nature is screaming at him, “No, no!” He is experiencing temptation as we all do when faced with fearful steps. Our human nature urges, “Take the easy way out. Do what you want to do! You’ve worked hard, did all the Father asked you to do all your life. Now it’s your turn. Go have some fun. Live to a ripe old age. You deserve it.” Fear can kill our God-given mission.
           Oh, but Jesus remained true to his mission. The God man knew the cross’ purpose. He had to go to the cross. The cross was the only way. This was the Father’s way, and he, the Son, was determined to do the Father’s will. Even though it was the hardest way.
           Why would God come to die a tortuous human death? The answer is love. Jesus’ love for the Father formed a joy in his heart to obey the Father. Jesus’ love for you created an unstoppable desire to lay down his life for you. The Resurrection and the Life was opening the gateway for you, your friends and family to be born again. Jesus died because he loves his creation. He wants you to be with him in eternity.
           Living in faith we understand these two things: 1) Jesus loves the Father and is faithful to the Father’s will. 2) We must love God who first loved us.
           Yes, obey his commands. Live in joy. (See John 15:10-15.) Honor God. As Jesus, complete the purpose to which he has called you. Even if it’s the hardest thing, even to the death, God is there to love you in glory and eternity.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I mourn your suffering for my sins. I rejoice in your faithfulness for my salvation. Amen.
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