Gina Caswell Kelly
One of my favorite books of the Bible is the book of John. I know. I traditionally lean toward Old Testament books that I love to read and reread. But there are messages in John that just call to me. He really seemed to have the heart of Jesus when he wrote. His words are so sincere and so deep and so covered in love.
Chapter 13 begins the story of The Last Supper. The words in the first verse are so warm and so telling of the Savior. It says, “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.”
What I like about this is that Jesus had chosen these twelve to be His apostles. The ones to whom He would be trusting His ministry. He had been around them day and night. He knew they were a bunch of knot heads much of the time. He knew Judas was about to betray Him. He knew Peter was about to deny Him. And still, John writes, “He loved us anyway! He loved us to the end!” That is great love.
The story goes on in Chapter 13 and Jesus shows what love He has for these guys by washing their filthy, nasty feet. It says in verse 2 that the devil had already placed into Judas’ heart the act of betraying the Savior. Jesus knew this and yet, He washed Judas’ feet just the same. We are taught to love our enemies, but that is one special act of forgiveness and love, right there. He washed the feet of the one who would sell Him out! And He says, “I am doing all this as an example to all of you.” Love those who persecute you and those who wrong you. Love them anyway.
Later, Jesus says to His disciples, “ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, (I just demonstrated how very much I love you.) so ought you to love one another (Like my life has shown you.) By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
So, let me ask all of us a question right now. Do they know we are Christians by our love? When we post on Facebook or other social media, do they know we are Christians by our love? When we are having to wait in a very slow line at some place, will they know we are Christians by our love? When you are so frustrated with the situation around you and those who do not follow your political beliefs, will they know we are Christians by our love?
Jesus says, “I have given you an example of what to do for others. Do what you saw Me do for you. If you know these things, and you do because I showed you, then you are blessed if you do them.
They will know we are Christians by our love. What do they know about you? Love them anyway. It will make a difference.
