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 might have captured the moment:
After supper, 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 that’s not what happened.
What Jesus did was wash His disciples’ feet; something none of them were 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)
Many are aware of the seven last words of Christ, the things He said while hanging on the cross, but this was at His 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 13:34-35 (NIV)
Service and Love
These are twin beacons of a true follower of Christ, reflections of God’s nature shared with the world. And, with the earliest Christians, this is exactly how it was.
Tertullian, a church leader in Carthage (North Africa) wrote that, while Christ followers were routinely persecuted, at the same time they were admired. Why? “See how they love one another—how they are ready even to die for one another.” That’s Tertullian quoting the prevailing sentiments of unbelievers toward Christians.
Kind reader, the classic Christian hymn from the 1960’s says it well: 🎶 “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” 🎶
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Jesus – John 13:17 (NIV)
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
Portions of this post were originally published here on January 31, 2021.
Davids Daily Dose 
Leave a comment