Tuesday, December 03, 2019

John 13:1-5

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1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, 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. ~ John 13:1-5

John's Gospel has two main sections: John 1-12 eternal life is offered, John 13-21 eternal life is explained. The Lord Jesus came to earth as a man in order to deliver eternal life. In John 10:10, we read, "I have come that they might have life. and that they might have it more abundantly."  

With the first section of John completed, we turn to the second half. In John 13 the Lord Jesus is in the Upper Room with his disciples. They are there to celebrate the Passover, and the Lord Jesus takes the opportunity to teach His followers about His cross. This would be a different Passover for this Passover was the ultimate Passover, bringing to an end the sacrifice. The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus would be once and for all.

Before doing so, the Lord Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. He knew His cross was imminent. From the beginning of His ministry He knew He was to be the "Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world." He also knew when it would occur. It would occur when the nation was gathered to offer the Passover lamb. 

At the end of v.1, we read, "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." He dreaded separation from the Father, but, He loved His own. He was separated from the Father so that you and I would not have to be. Within twelve hours from this Upper Room meal, He will be hanging on the cross. He loved us to the end of His life here on earth.

In v.2, we read, "The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus." The Lord Jesus was always aware of the powers of darkness. He knew that the devil was positioning Judas to betray Him. And yet, He loved Judas, too.

In v.3, we are reminded of the three identity questions of all of mankind: where did I come from?, where am I going? why am I here? When we know the answers to these three questions, we will be the most secure and potentially selfless people on the planet. 

At the beginning of v.3, we read, "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power." He knew the sovereignty of His Father. He was not a helpless victim of the scheming of the Jewish leaders and Roman authorities to put Him to death. He knew what He had to do, and He Himself would see that it was carried out.

In the second half of v.3, we read, "He had come from God and was returning to God." He knew exactly who He was. He knew His origin: He was "secure." Throughout this account the Lord Jesus never panicked. 

We read in v.4, "so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist." We can only imagine what went through the minds of the disciples as the Lord Jesus assumed the position of the servant of the house. Knowing who He was enabled Him to do this. He lacked nothing, therefore He could embrace humility at its worse.

In v.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." It is evident the disciples ought to have done this. In those days it was customary for the servant of the house to wash the feet of anyone entering from the dusty roads. 

According to Luke 22, the disciples began to argue among themselves who was the greatest. Then, without a word the Lord Jesus arose, took off His outer clothing, and, kneeling in front of each disciple in turn, including Judas, He washed their feet and dried them with a towel. They were shocked, stunned, and embarrassed. They didn't know what to make of this.

Only absolute humility can generate absolute love. Love's nature is to be selfless and giving. Christ's love and His humility are inseparable. He could not have been so consumed with a passion for serving others if He had been primarily concerned with Himself.

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