April 9, 2020
Today we continue on in the gathering known as the “last supper”. Remember, this meal spans chapters 13-17 in John. Traditionally, this Thursday is known as “Maundy Thursday” or “Holy Thursday”. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word meaning “commandment”. This is because of the new commandment Jesus gives his disciples which we will read today. Keep in mind the context of the gathered disciples and Jesus’ impending betrayal and death as you read.
John 13:21-35
One of You Will Betray Me
21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
A New Commandment
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Knowing he is about to be betrayed and crucified, Jesus commands his disciples tolove one another. He even goes so far as to say that all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one another. For us, as disciples of Jesus today, the command still stands. To love one another is our call from Jesus. How can you do that today?
When dealing with a particularly difficult person it always amazes me how the Holy Spirit takes control (after I quietly pray for God to Love them, because I’m having trouble) & in the end, the difficult person walks away thanking me for my patience. ? How amazing is our God, that when we give Him our day, & we choose to be a light for His kingdom, that he can use us to show His love to a hurting world? Thank you Lord for using even a fungus infected pinky toe nail, like me. I am honored to be apart of your hands & feet. Please continue to love the people around me when I can’t. Let them see you… not me.
Thank you, Father for always being in control. Thank you, that through all this uncertainty you have showed me how to be loving and patient toward others. Father continue to guide me and use me to help fulfill your will. Do not allow to stray away from your purpose in this time of need. I am your vessel, Father. Use me. In Jesus Name.
By loving one another we set examples to those around us as to what being a follower of Christ is supposed to look like. It is hard to show love to someone who has hurt us and at that time is when I pray hard for God’s guidance.
Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s sacrificial call on his life is so powerful. He freely gave his life, and throughout the whole process he was patient, kind, gentle, understanding, humble and forgiving. No better example exists of a life surrendered to God, than Jesus, our servant leader, a lion and a lamb, dying so that we could live and abundant life of sacrifice and an enteral glorified life in God’s presence.
35 “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Praying that we would follow Jesus command and love one another and that our love would be a witness to a world that needs Him!
Amen Patty! It is so hard to love our neighbors when they are so different from us. Patience and prayer!
When I was a young man, my friends and I would sometimes point out the shortcomings of others. I would say sarcastically, “It’s a good thing we’re perfect and can point out all these things.” Jesus, being the PERFECT Son of God, had every right to bring judgment on sinful man, but He chose LOVE. Praise the Lord He chose love. And as His followers, we should, too.
I have a question. Why do Christians celebrate passover? I was invited to a FB page that encouraged decorating your door as if it was covered in blood. Didn’t/doesn’t the blood of Jesus cover our sin? Isn’t He our propitiation? I even saw a Christian comment that they might as well be doubly covered…I believe Jesus paid it all, and wonder if it isn’t almost sacrilegious to do this.
To respond to the question: Jesus chose Judas even knowing what he would do. Jesus loves us no matter what. He has commanded us to love each other no matter what. Our love is evidence that He is in our heart because our human nature would not let us love like that. My goal is to love from a joy filled heart…even when I don’t like or understand someone’s behavior.
It kind of make me think of temperature. A thermometer doesn’t measure hot and cold, but it measures the amount of heat. Cold really means less heat. People see our presence, or absence, of love. Love is God=God is love.
In heaven, everything else will be resolved, but love will remain.
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Interesting comments and right on point. We are so blessed that Jesus came to shine light on a dark world. Just as He is doing it right now in this covid pandemic we are dealing with. The timing (at Easter) couldn’t have been better if it had to happen. People are returning to the faith of their fathers. Others are coming to know Jesus if they have never known Him. Children are in a home setting where they can focus on meaningful things with their parents in a way that they never would had it not been for this virus. Yes, there will have to be a painful recovery but God will lead us through that as well. Trust and obey for there is no other way.
We need to show kindness and patience in everyday situations that cause anger and frustration. We should bite our tongue if nothing good is going to come out of our mouth. My better half is constantly reminding me to see the positive side of these kinds of situations because as Christians, the way we carry ourselves should be for the Lord’s glory.