“Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.”
John 13:1
All who followed Jesus would be transformed, including John. He’d learn along his journey with the Messiah that it was not about a place of power at Jesus’ right hand, or about calling down fire on those opposing Jesus. In the Upper Room gathering for the Last Supper, he’d be changed.
The words at the Passover meal that shocked John and the others were these: “One of you will betray me.” How could Judas do such a thing? It was becoming evident to John that this was a very different kind of leadership and kingdom. Jesus had just washed the feet of the one who sold Him out!
A place at Jesus’ right hand meant not calling down fire from heaven, but calling up love—Calvary’s love—for those far from God. The first time John is referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” is in the Upper Room. He was not implying Jesus loved him more than the others. Rather, he was saying that in this moment he saw the otherworldly love that he desperately needed. He entered that room as a son of thunder, but emerged with new understanding of the Lord’s deep love for him.
The words at the Passover meal that shocked John and the others were these: “One of you will betray me.” How could Judas do such a thing? It was becoming evident to John that this was a very different kind of leadership and kingdom. Jesus had just washed the feet of the one who sold Him out!
A place at Jesus’ right hand meant not calling down fire from heaven, but calling up love—Calvary’s love—for those far from God. The first time John is referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” is in the Upper Room. He was not implying Jesus loved him more than the others. Rather, he was saying that in this moment he saw the otherworldly love that he desperately needed. He entered that room as a son of thunder, but emerged with new understanding of the Lord’s deep love for him.
Scripture Focus
John 13:21-30
Insight
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 8-9
- Psalm 65
- John 6
