John 13:1-4

1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him,

3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God,

4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.

“He Loved/Loves His Own in the World”

I love how John introduces this chapter and this scene. Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Verse one says that He loved His own who were in the world to the end. Who are His own? His own are the people who loved Him and believed in Him until the end. This is a beautiful statement. He loved His own while He was here until He took His last breath as a human. He will continue to love them through eternity. This applies to us today, because we, as Christians, are His own. He loves us right now as He sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Of course, He loves all people and wants all people to believe in Him and be saved. But His own are those who walk with Him as living sacrifices and are faithful until death. Perfect? No, not perfect… not even close, but faithful to Him, and penitent when we fall short as we struggle through this dark world doing our best to shine the light of Jesus.

Let’s set the stage. It is a few days before the Feast of the Passover. Jesus and His disciples have just finished supper. Verse 2 says that the devil had already put it in the heart of Judas to betray Jesus. Does this mean that the devil forces people to sin? Absolutely not! God never tempts anyone or forces anyone to do anything against their will (James 1:13). Jesus said if we WANT to be His disciples, then we have to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him, but only if we WANT to (Mark 8:34). It’s our choice. Jesus also told the Jews in John 7:17 this: “If anyone wants (chooses) to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.” It is a choice. God wants us to choose Him. He doesn’t want to have to force us to love Him. No one wants to have to force anyone to love them. Did Judas have a choice? Absolutely, Judas had a choice! But ultimately, God knew what choice Judas would make. From the beginning, Jesus knew who His betrayer would be. It is the same with us. God knows what choices we will make before we make them. He knows the exact moment in our lives when “it clicks” for us. He knows when the lightbulb comes on. For some, it happens earlier in life. For others, like myself, it takes longer. And sadly, for some, the lightbulb never comes on.

Verse 3 reminds us that Jesus controlled everything happening in His life. It says that Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into His hands. He could have stopped all of this if He had wanted to. He could have pursued His own will instead of His Father’s, but He didn’t. He and the Father were/are one, and their will was/is the same. He knew that He had come from God, and was going back to God. He knew what He was getting ready to go through, and He was willing to go through it for us. Jesus was getting ready to do something amazing in the next few verses. It was an example for all of us. Jesus, who had all authority from the Father, got up from the supper table, removed His outer garments, wrapped a towel around Himself, and prepared to show all of us how to be a servant. Let’s not forget that this was God in the flesh getting ready to humble Himself to a level of servitude that most people would not stoop to. In the next few verses, we will see our Savior give us a beautiful glimpse of His purpose for being on earth. Oh, what a Savior!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible.

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17)

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16)

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32)

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19)

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)

Then, we must remain faithful until death or until Jesus returns, whichever comes first. (Rev. 2:10)

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out.

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!