The Setting: Christ’s final Passover with His closest friends. (The time has come to sacrifice his life as a ransom for many. He shows the full extent of His love.)
Here’s how an epic Hollywood movie would have envisioned the moment:
As supper is served, Jesus rises from his seat, unsheathes a gleaming sword and says (holding it up to bask in His own reflection),
“Men, this is our finest hour. It’s time to show these religious bigots who we really are–warriors of the Living God! (raises sword toward ceiling) So be brave. Be strong. We shall all die well–except for the traitor.” (drops sword to His waist and stares out the window)
But we both know that’s not what happened.
What Jesus actually did was wash His disciples feet; something none of them was willing to do. His final act of love for them–before His death–was an act of service.
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Jesus – (John 13:15 NIV)
We are all aware of the seven last words of Christ, the things He said while hanging on the cross, but this was at His very public execution. What was the last thing he said (before His death) to those closest to Him–in a more private, peaceful setting?
Back at the supper table, sandwiched between His prediction of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, we find these famous last words:
“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus – (John 13:34 NIV)
Service and Love
These are twin beacons of a true follower of Christ, reflections of God’s nature shared with the world.
Sadly, this is not what we see so much today. Many Christians now act more like Simon the Zealot than Simon the Leper (who hosted a dinner in Christ’s honor).
We have politicized and marginalized the simplicity of the Gospel, mixing it with a militant piosity that would make a proud Pharisee blush.
And how does this look to a lost world?
Perhaps Mahatma Gandhi said it best:
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians–you are not like Him.”
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
28 replies on “Famous Last Words”
The truth often brings a chuckle, or a tear. Gandhi had a good view from outside Christianity that should be heeded. Thank you, Crystal!
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I hadn’t heard that Gandhi quote before. It gave me a little chuckle.
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That’s because I am still living it lol. I am stuck in the hotel due to snow and being unable to drive over 6 hours in this weather. But at least I have a meal allowance 🍣🍤🍙
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I enjoyed your post. It was written Iike you just lived it!
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You pretty much summed up what I meant, just in different (better) words. I may not be expressing them as well being in a hotel after several 13-15 hour days in a row.
I’m surprised I even got my post out lol.
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Matcha, I agree that, in our own power, we are unable to live as Christ. However, thanks to the ministry of the Holy Spirit we are indeed able to walk as Jesus did. Otherwise, why would the Bible instruct us to (1 John 1:6)? Sinless perfection, no. Living as Christ did, yes.
It’s easy to misunderstand written words, so I maybe didn’t follow what you meant. If so, I apologize.
Thanks for reading and sharing. I’m headed over to the Clean Good Life right now to check out your latest!
God Bless
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I do think it is incredibly hard (near impossible) for us to live as Christ. We are imperfect. For every good thing we plan to do, there is another trait or event which holds us back.
However, that should never prevent us from trying.
Because we are human, when we live up to Christ’s standards, it is a miracle from the Lord.
I have yet to be able to do so. But one step at a time.
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I felt the ouch too, Pete, when the Holy Spirit reminded me that Jesus is not an American 🇺🇸 or aligned with any political party.
Blessings to you as well. Thanks for stopping by and also for sharing your thoughts.
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Ouch! My toes are smarting from being stepped on – but you are right. What we really need now is to find the path to limp out on together on as we work on following closer to Jesus. Have a blessed week Dave!
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That’s indeed an intriguing play on words, Eirene! Someone commented earlier that, despite the church’s best efforts, the influence of true biblical Christianity is at an all time low. Like you said, Lord help us. Thank you for your contribution to the discussion. Blessings.
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Last night on my way home from church I was stopped at a red light behind a car that had a bumper sticker that said, “ I support separation of church and hate”. For somebody to have that on their car (and for somebody to have produced that bumper sticker) you gotta wonder what they experienced in church. Lord help us 🙏🏻
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Me too, brother! I’m especially impetuous with words spoken off the cuff, so I must be careful. My post today was more preachy than usual, but it’s about something God laid on my heart deeply. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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Keep shining!
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Reading this I was further reminded I need to be cautious with words, in amount and in content. If I am to be remembered I want it to be for being more like my Lord and Saviour in deed and in words. Thank you brother David for this meditation.
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Me too! I hope people can see Christ in me as well. Thank you.
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I recently listened to Rick Warren and he challenged me by saying, “would there be enough evidence to convict you for being a Christian?” I pray my life is salty and shiny enough that people KNOW I am a child of the Most High God, and it inspires them, via the Holy Spirit to ask me why!
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Focus on what we can control. That’s good advice, Betty.
Thank you, and God Bless.
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Yes, at the end of the day the gospel message is very simple! Blessings on your day, too.
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Truth. Thank you!
I veered a bit from my purpose-more accusatory than usual-but feel strongly that Christians (particularly here in the US) must return to our roots.
Blessings.
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Halleluyah 🙌🤗. Donkeys don’t become sheep. However, God uses both. He doesn’t discriminate between them. 😃
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David, you are right – service and love are the true beacons of followers of Christ. Today it seems many have forgotten the “Do not judge” instructions. It is disheartening. However, I want to focus on what I can control – trying my best to love and to be of service to others. Thanks for your post, and enjoy your Sunday!
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Amen! In Christ donkeys become sheep 🐑.
Thank you, and God Bless.
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Jesus’ words “Love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul and mind and love your neighbour as yourself” sum up very neatly what a Christian is. We muddy the waters by adding other conditions and requirements.
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Yes, often we have failed him. But, the amazing thing is that he uses the useless of this world. Lord uses the donkeys of this world. 🐴
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I almost put Christians in quotes when I said we’ve politicized the gospel, but the fact is any of us are capable of hurting Jesus through our words and actions. I share your desire to live a life that is worthy of Christ. Thank you, Barb.
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Thank you, Chris. This is actually what I was thinking about when I wrote this. They will know we are Christians by our love.
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“We have politicized and marginalized the simplicity of the Gospel, mixing it with a militant piosity that would make a proud Pharisee blush.”
I talk about this often with friends. We’re looking for a political messiah much like the Pharisees. We have all this knowledge and data too on how to have church and what attracts seekers, yet the Church has never had such a low impact on the world. Instead of getting on our knees, we’ve looked to politics.
They will know us by our love, not by our politics, our church buildings, how we have church services or even our eloquent preaching. We must return to our roots.
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It saddens me to think how many “Christians” portray such a negative image to the world. I certainly fall short sometimes & feel deep regret when my actions hurt others & as a result hurt Jesus.
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