Loving 'Til the End

I want to share with you a powerful passage from John 13, often called the upper room discourse. It’s five amazing chapters that give us an intimate picture of Jesus and his disciples. Imagine a father preparing his son for marriage, wanting to impart all the crucial wisdom before such a significant life event. That’s the kind of intimate conversation Jesus has with his disciples just 24 hours before his crucifixion. He’s not giving them strategy or warnings about where to hide; instead, he’s delivering a profound message of love. In chapter 12, Jesus' feet had been washed and anointed, and he spoke of his burial. Then, after his triumphal entry, he withdrew and hid himself from the crowds to be with his disciples. This is where he shares the most important things he wants them to know. He asks them, "Do you understand?" And this is the question I want to leave with you: "Do I understand? Have I grasped, intellectually and spiritually, what Jesus has done to me?" In John 13:1-17, we see Jesus, knowing his hour had come, rise from supper. He lays aside his outer garments, takes a towel, and begins to wash his disciples' feet. Peter, in his typical fashion, objects, saying, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" Jesus responds, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand." He then tells Peter, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." This terrifies Peter, who then asks for a complete washing. Jesus clarifies that they are already clean, except for their feet, signifying the ongoing cleansing we need as we walk through this world. The love Jesus has for his own is communicated by revealing what he knew, what he did, and what he taught. This understanding is meant for us, both corporately and individually, so we can live it out. Later in this chapter, Jesus gives a new commandment: "Love one another, just as I have loved you." This is how all people will know you are his disciples.

Let's consider what Jesus knew before he went to the cross. It wasn't a mistake; he was purposeful.

1. He knew he would love his own to the end. His love for them would cost everything, and he would carry it out to completion.

2. He knew his hour had come. Not just to drift off, but to face the cross and the agony of abandonment.

3. He knew Judas would betray him. He also knew his disciples would scatter, and Peter would deny him three times.

4. He knew the Father had given all things into his hands. Our lives and fate were entrusted to him; he was the mediator of a new covenant.

5. He knew where he came from and where he was going. He understood the perfect harmony of the Trinity and the joy set before him, knowing he would sit at the Father's right hand. Knowing all these things, Jesus did the unthinkable: he took on the role of a servant and washed their feet. This was a symbolic exercise, emphasizing humility.

Peter's later writings in 1 Peter 5:5, urging us to "clothe yourselves... with humility," echo this moment. Paul, in Philippians 2, also reminds us to consider Christ, who took on the very nature of a servant. After washing their feet, Jesus resumed his place and asked, "Do you understand what I have done to you?" We constantly forget what Jesus has done for us, which is why we need constant reminders. He tells them, "You call me teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am." He is our teacher, showing us humility. He is our Lord, making us clean. He is our example. "If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." He closes with this powerful statement: "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." This commands action. If you struggle with forgiving, serving, or loving, ask yourself, "Do I understand what Jesus has done to me?"

There's also a dire warning in this passage. Jesus started with 12 disciples, but he ends with 11. Judas, though baptized, taught, and sent out, was not truly clean. Jesus knew this all along. It's not enough to be outwardly religious; we must ask ourselves, "Am I truly one of his own?" So, when you, a Christian, rise from your table, gird yourself in a servant's cloth, and wash the feet of your brothers and sisters. Let what Jesus knew, what he did, and what he said have a profound impact on how you live and interact with others.