He loved them to the end. John 13: 1-20 Jesus knew that His hour had come. He understood that the time for His vindication and return to the Father was now. He recognized that the moment of His rejection and suffering had arrived. He was aware that the work of the cross was imminent. He knew the end of His public ministry was at hand. But most of all, He knew He had finished His work and was returning to the Father. Do I know that my work is complete? At this moment, I cannot say that. Therefore, I must leave that knowledge to Him and carry on with the work in my hands.
Jesus knew His own, this small group of followers, and His love for them lasted through His life and beyond. How can infinite love ever end? It can’t; therefore, His love for them continues. Do I know who my own are? Yes, I believe I do. Those whom God has given me special care for and who are always on my mind are “my own.” They are scattered far and wide, but they are “my own.” So, I must not leave them or abandon them but love them until the end—they are "my own."
Jesus understood what was to come. He knew He needed to model the role of a servant, so He washed the disciples’ feet. He understood that human nature would resist being a servant to others, so in this way, the new life in Christ was demonstrated. I only know the present through experience, but the future is revealed through God's word. I recognize the privilege of serving God’s people now by the cleansing I can offer through His word, through spiritual time spent, through genuine care for their well-being, and the Holy Spirit will guide me regarding the results when the time is right.
Jesus knew who His true children were. Judas never deceived Him. Jesus' statement about His betrayal was meant to strengthen the faith of His genuine disciples. They would see that the scripture being fulfilled was valuable and that their Lord knew everything. The act of dipping bread and offering it to someone was usually a sign of honor. In Judas’ case, it was a sign to him that the Lord was aware of his plan to betray Him. Satanic possession appears to be irreversible. Satan fully possessed Judas.
Peter’s denial never surprised Him. Despite all the failings of His own disciples, His love never failed. I know that the children of God are important to God and should be to me. I understand that neither they nor I are perfect. Failures and disappointments will happen, but I know that my love for others is the best Gospel testimony I can give. I believe that priestly consecration and washing at the laver of God’s word will teach me what I need to do with what I know. I am confident that the end results of every divinely inspired effort will be profitable. Therefore, I believe it is within my power to be happy.
Expressions of inner feelings can be observed in many ways. Love is demonstrated through actions as well as words. Others may wonder about what motivated an action or even where I have been. Love and humility are closely connected—almost inseparable. True love desires the best for others, and humility is rare to find. The Lord loved His own “to the end,” but they had to learn that their love for others will be reflected in actions of genuine humility.
One of the disciples in the group could not learn; he only thought of himself. A thief never considers the difference between loving people and hoarding wealth. Self-love is soul-damning pride that leads one farther and farther away until there is nowhere else to go and only sin’s wages to pay. Judas had clean feet when he left, hastening his journey to hell. The last kind act and words he heard came from Him who does all things well.
Loving as God intends is not impossible; in fact, we’re commanded to love. The motivation and power come from heaven above. Our flesh and the world’s limitations make it hard to be genuine at first. When we learn to love others in Christ’s name, that comes sincerely from the heart. The result is that such love will show all men I am Christ’s and will be rooted in humility rather than self-love, so men will recognize what is right.
We may not pass every test or always demonstrate genuine love, but the truth is that with humility, our actions can heal many hearts. Christians who love each other will find it much easier to bear the weight and burdens of life with someone willing to share the kind of love that is not temporary. The message it aims to convey is the same as Jesus's love; we are also called to “love to the end.”
What are the things I know? What is this incredible scene my curious mind observes? This is the height of divine love, humility, and grace unfolding before faith's gaze! The Lord of life and glory, the King of kings, is He who, before them on bended knees, washes the disciples' feet. What makes this such a powerful sight? They are those who have come from darkness to light, from unbelief to living in His holy light! – except for Judas.
The Lord Jesus Christ was soon to be lifted high on the cross to bear our sins in His body. Through this foretaste of holy servitude, we learn to share what is most important to us with those we love. What lies behind this action that demonstrates true humility? This is a clear example of genuine grace shown by the God of eternity! He was teaching an important lesson about how those in the kingdom should live. Fasting, feasting, and foot-washing foster fellowship and faith when my faith and attitude are involved. It is not what I receive from others that matters most; it is what I give to others.
What life principle can I hold onto while reviewing this remarkable scene? I understand this visual lesson: it’s about telling me who I am, not what I might have been! This is a lesson in humility and servanthood. In the kingdom of God, the way up is down, and the way to win is to lose. The way to get is to give much more; it's important to make wise choices. What happens if I take this place of lowly service? That position and attitude are where I truly discover what life's real purpose is! When someone is bowed on his knees, he is taller than when he’s on his toes. In this state of body, soul, and spirit, one understands what God had in mind when He chose us.
What will happen if I truly serve others? What should I expect? God is glorified through this humble act. His people will be blessed if I remember to comfort those who mourn, help those in need, and serve the Lord by serving His people. It is essential that I pay attention to and not neglect this lesson.