The following is from OBC’s daily devotional for today:
John 13-17 cover one night, the night before Jesus was betrayed. Here in Jesus’ private ministry to the disciples he teaches the character of true faith.
Jesus washed the twelve disciples’ feet, portraying their sanctification and giving a pattern of service (vv. 1-17). Jesus then spoke of and identified his betrayer, Judas Iscariot (vv. 18-30). Jesus taught the character and nature of a false profession as exemplified by Judas.
Jesus then taught a “new commandment” to love one another just as he loved them (vv. 31-35). “Love one another” is an OT command (Lev 19:18) that Jesus taught and expected (Mark 12:31), but here he gives a standard that makes it “new”—“as I have loved you.”
Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On
- The infinite Son (v. 3) humbled himself and served sinful men (vv. 4-5. The work of washing feet was that of a servant, not a King! Christian, you must serve one another—serve like Jesus (vv. 16-17)!
- None of the disciples guessed that Judas Iscariot was the traitor Jesus spoke of. Judas was with them for three years, yet he was lost. Never assume you are or someone is a Christian just because of proximity to true religion.
- Think about how the disciples doubted, disappointed, and would even deny (v. 38!) Jesus, yet his love continued and did not waver. Jesus loved unconditionally, fully, holding nothing back that was good and needed by them. this is the character of a true believer as opposed to Judas. False believers love money, true believers love Christ and his people.
