John 13 reminds me of “lasts”. Very often we do not recognize significant last-time events until much later. We often remember ordinary moments with clarity after learning of someone’s death. We recall the last words spoken, or a final event, and sometimes those memories come with regrets. Today’s chapter is about loving the lasts. We begin, “just before the Passover Festival”. Jesus and His disciples were gathered together at the last supper. Jesus knew “the hour had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father”. Of His friends gathered there, it says, “He loved them to the end”. How did He demonstrate this? During the meal; knowing “the Father had put all things under His power… He got up… wrapped a towel around His waist… and began to wash His disciples’ feet”. The Messiah took the job of the lowest servant to set “an example that… no servant is greater than his master”. We often hear that we are to lead by example, but very few leaders are willing to fully embrace the lowliest job. Jesus washed each of them, until Peter protested, “No, You shall never wash my feet”. I think Peter simply believed he was not worthy. Jesus explained, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me”. Please understand that we are not forgiven because we are worthy, we are made worthy through His forgiveness. Peter was then ready for a total body washing, but Jesus continued the lesson; “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet”. I think Jesus is making a distinction between the Salvation Experience (whole body bath), and the daily renewal we receive through fellowship with the Spirit. Afterwards, Jesus explained that as Lord and teacher, He was entitled to be honored, but instead He served them. We can get into trouble when we feel we deserve extra recognition for doing good deeds. We are called to humbly minister to one another’s needs. Jesus adds, in doing this “you will be blessed”. When we serve others without expectation, we receive divine joy in return.
Next we read about the betrayal. Before relating the story John references a prophesy of Messiah from Psalm 41, “He who shared My bread has turned against Me”. It occurs to me that if I knew someone was going to betray me, I would treat that person with distain. Clearly Jesus knew, “I tell you, one of you is going to betray Me”. Yet Jesus gave no indication that Judas was the transgressor, “His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them He meant”. The only telltale sign was a comment, “What you are about to do, do quickly”. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. How many harsh words are spoken on the way out the door? We never know when it will be the last goodbye.
The chapter end with some final instructions, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer… Where I am going, you cannot come”. Though they did not yet understand that His sacrifice was at hand, they understood the serious tone. What message did He give? “A new command I give you: Love one another”. He could have chosen anything to distinguish His followers, but He commanded, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another”. What is the word people associate with you? Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?” After being told he could not follow, Peter bragged about his loyalty, “Lord, why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You”. Some things are easy to say, but much harder to do when the pressure hits. I picture Jesus looking into Peter’s eyes with the same sympathetic look He will give Peter later that night. With compassion, He adds, “Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” I do not think God is surprised when we sin. In fact, Jesus went to the cross, knowing that many would rebel. My friend, He still loves you to the end.