I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you also
should love one another. John 13:34
John 13, not only tells us about the love that should occupy
our heart for one another, but shows us what that love looks like. 1
Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter in the Bible, but in my opinion
John 13 is another love chapter, as Jesus demonstrates to us, love in action.
This was a lesson not only for the disciples, but for us.
The book of John makes it very clear from the beginning to
the end, that Jesus was in God, and God was in Him. The same God who created
the world, was manifested in flesh through Jesus Christ. This is a very
important point to this message.
His act of love in this chapter of John, was the washing of
the feet of His disciples. The main character in this scene, besides Jesus, was
Simon Peter who had quite a dialog with Jesus, but I want us to look at another
disciple. I want us to look at Judas Iscariot. At the beginning of this chapter
we learn that Satan had already planted a seed in the heart of Judas, to betray
Jesus. Jesus knew this, and mentioned several times, that one of them would
betray Him.
Now think on this, Jesus took off His robe, put a towel
around His waist, knelt down on the floor, and washed the dirty, stinky feet of
His disciples. He humbled himself as a servant. When He got to Judas, He did
not look up to him with disdain, or pass him by, but instead, God in the flesh,
humbly washed Judas’ feet with care. He wiped his feet dry using His towel
around His waist, with love in His heart. He might have even looked into Judas’
eyes, and conveyed His compassion knowing the pain that Judas would bear after
his betrayal. You see, He always loved the man whom He created. His opponent was not Judas, it was Satan.
In verse 11 Jesus said, “Not all of you are clean.” In verse
18 He said, “The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” Now the
third time Jesus mentioned this, He was very troubled, and He said, “Very
truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” Jesus knew all along who it was.
Jesus dipped the bread and handed it to Judas, to reveal the
one He had indicated as the betrayer. Jesus words were, “Do quickly what you
are going to do.” Jesus was not talking to Judas. He was speaking to Satan, who
had taken full control of Judas. Jesus still loved the man, Judas. His enemy
was always Satan.
We probably all know someone, who is controlled by Satan. Could
we have loved like Jesus, and humbled ourselves before the very person who is
plotting against us? We do not need to subject ourselves to the abuse of a
person who is controlled by Satan, but we need to love and pray for that
person, from a distance, if mental and physical safety is a personal concern. We
need to always remember; who is the real enemy?
Jesus said in John 12:31, “Now is the judgment of the world.
Now shall the prince of the world be cast out.” The enemy, Satan, was defeated
by Jesus with His death and resurrection. Jesus said, “If I be lifted up I will
draw all men unto me.” Jesus was lifted high on that cross, so If (ALL) men
will be at the feet of Jesus, do you think Judas will be there also? Satan’s
end is sealed with defeat on the final day of judgement. In the meantime, he is
still at work, seeking whom he may devour. Those who are in Christ are seeking
those we can free from Satan’s bondage.
We hold the key to God’s love and abundant life.
Dear God, Help me to share your love and abundant life to
all. In Jesus, I pray. Amen
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