Daily Bread for Nov 13, Jhn 13-15

Today’s readings are Jhn 13-15.

Jhn 13:1-20 details the familiar scene of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Note that Jesus was fully aware of who He was and where He was going (Jhn 13:3). Also, note that the Lord washes all the disciples’ feet, including those of Judas. The Lord humbles Himself before His betrayer! Jesus does not do so because He is passive or lacks fortitude. He’s about to prove His commitment and courage spectacularly. Rather than omitting Judas, Jesus blesses Him giving us all a profound demonstration of how to treat our enemies and those who seek to do us harm.

Jesus reveals His full knowledge of what Judas has done in Jhn 13:21-20. Judas’s betrayal neither catches Jesus off-guard nor tempers His willingness to humble Himself.

After Judas departs to do his vile deed, Jesus informs the disciples that their road forward will be difficult but should also be characterized by their love for one another (Jhn 13:31-35). This may be challenging news for those who had sacrificed everything to follow Jesus. It may be equally challenging for those who follow Him today expecting the walk of a Christian to be care-free and comfortable.

Meanwhile, Peter learns an invaluable lesson about listening carefully and speaking too soon (Jhn 13:36-37). Peter either disregarded or was so eager to speak that he wasn’t listening when Jesus said they could not follow where He was going in Jhn 13:16.

Jhn 14:1-3 employs language that describes betrothal the way the Jews practice it. The relationship between Jesus and believers is a deep commitment, much the same as marriage, not a "dating" arrangement or an engagement. In Jesus's time, breaking a betrothal before the formal wedding ceremony violated such a profound commitment that it required a legal divorce. Jesus promises that He will go prepare a place for His bride then return to take her there. The bride is the church. Jesus is committed to the church in a holy, irrevocable union. Therefore, the marriage union is sacred, it is a witness to the world of the union Christ has with His church.

We hear that Jesus is not only the sole means of salvation (Jhn 14:6), but He and God are one (Jhn 14;7-11). Furthermore, Jhn 14:12-31 tells us that we, as His followers, will do "greater works" than He did. This must be taken in the context of Jesus defining who He is and what will happen after He goes to "prepare a place for us." In other words, while we wait for Him to return, we will, with the help of the Holy Spirit, tell a far greater number of people the good news about Christ. This will be far more people than Jesus ever spoke to, hence the "greater works." Some try to make this about performing signs and doing miracles. What is greater? Is healing, casting out demons and raising the dead greater or better than redeeming souls and transforming lives forever? Do we want to perform dazzling works before other members of the church or see souls rescued from hell by the good news of Christ?

An unhealthy Focus on signs and wonders can distract the church from the "work" Jesus came to do. His work was to redeem those who believe in Him. To do this, Jesus revealed Himself to them. The church is charged with revealing Christ through the gospel to a far greater number of people than Jesus did while on earth. Jesus ministered for three years to thousands. The church has ministered for nearly two thousand years to millions, perhaps billions of people. We are, in every way His hands and feet. These are the greater works Jesus promised we would do. But, we’re not left to our own devices to get the work done. It will be accomplished in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (Jhn14:18-30).

Jesus has given us a promise and a prophecy at once. It is trustworthy and true not dependent upon our capability to fulfill it but on the power of the Spirit.

Jhn 15 explores the nature of our union with Christ, a truth that has vast and profound consequences. Our union with Him impacts every area of our lives, spiritual and physical. It influences our sanctification (Jhn 15:2), the atonement for our sins (Jhn 15:3), our testimony (Jhn 15:5), our eternal destiny (Jhn 15: 6), our prayer life (Jhn 15:7), our obedience (Jhn 15:8-15). We're able to abide securely in Him because He chose us, we didn't choose Him (Jhn 15:16). It is His work, not ours, (John 1:13) that accomplishes our salvation. In our salvation, our union with Him is complete.