In Motion

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the son of man is glorified and God is glorified in him.” ~ John 13:31

By washing the disciples' feet, even Judas’ who Jesus knew would betray Him, we have a solid definition of servanthood and love even in the midst of our enemies.  Earlier in John 13 it says that the devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus (John 13:2), and Jesus knew that, but He still loved Judas.  God is love, and since Jesus was God on earth, Jesus is love.  God has to be consistent with himself as God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  Jesus was sorrowful of what he knew Judas was about to do.  He loved him.  However, Jesus knew that this betrayal would set things in motion for Jesus’ death and God’s ultimate plan.  He knew when Judas left the upper room at the Last Supper the implication of the next few days even though the disciples had no clue.  The beginning of the end of God’s redemptive plan had begun.  As fully human, a whirlwind of emotions must have enveloped Jesus – anger, love, confusion, sorrow, compassion, fear, anxiety and hope, but He knew that through the cross He would be glorified, or lifted up for the sake of mankind.  My guess is that Judas also had a lot of emotions when he left the dinner table where Jesus sat knowing what he was about to do.  Longing to say good-bye, but not knowing how.  Everything has been set in place.  God will be glorified through His son, Jesus.  The sacrificial lamb.  God’s son will honor him and because of their unique “one-ness” He will also glorify himself.  Jesus then calls the disciples his “little children” and gives them the new command to replace the others – love one another.  I believe Jesus is still glorified today when His children unapologetically love one another.  Jesus was the ultimate model of love; the cross represents an agape love that only Jesus could have fulfilled.  He was glorified and God was honored.  Now we, as followers of Christ, must love one another not when we feel like it, but always.  It’s not optional.  It’s a command from the one who gave His life for you. ~ Amen