Aug 15, 2014 | Scotty Smith
Having loved his own who were in the world, he showed them the full extent of his love. John 13:1
Dear Jesus, this story always grabs my heart, but today it's rekindling awe. It's the night of your betrayal—the night you would be denied and abandoned, not just by Peter, but also by all of the disciples. You knew this, and yet you persisted in disrobing yourself, bending low, and washing the dirty feet of these beloved and weak men.
The beauty and truth revealed in this scene is what keeps me sane—gospel-sane. It anchors me when I lose my moorings, centers me when I feel vulnerable, quiets me when I'm in restless mood, reels my heart in when I am in a wandering mode.
This is how you love each of your followers, all of your disciples, your whole bride. You've made us your own at the price of your blood. We've been redeemed from sin and death, and placed into your righteousness and embrace. Absolutely nothing can separate us from your love.
The only thing more certain than death and taxes is your love for us. You love us when we're seeking you and enjoying your presence; and you love us when we ignore you, throw pity-parties, and make foolish choices. Not that you're passive and indifferent, just the opposite—you're engaged and patient. Your love is not based on anything in us, but everything in you.
Jesus, it's the last line in this little verse that really "does me in". As with the men in the upper room, so with those of us in any of a number of rooms right now: you're still committed to showing us the full extent of your love—its height, depth, width, and breadth. You love us to the end, and evermore.
Though you died for a huge pan-national bride, I affirm, with the Apostle Paul, that you loved me and gave yourself for me (Gal. 2:20). This isn't narcissism, it was a necessity; it's not Western individualism, but gospel liberation. Hallelujah, many times over! So very Amen I pray in your truly astonishing name.
