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#20 – Knowing God Better – John 13

Thanks for staying with me through all of these!

When we get to John 14 through 17, we’re going to slow down a little. So we’re going to take a quicker look at John 13.

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? Maybe? But not to where they had you killed! (I mean, you’re still here, right?)

At this “Last Supper” Jesus tells his disciples that one of them will betray him. In verse 18 and 19, Jesus says,

…this fulfills the [Old Testament] Scripture that says,
‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ 19 I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I Am the Messiah.

It is Judas who goes to the Jewish authorities and, for money, tells them when and where to arrest Jesus.

(Read chapter 13, to see the full story of Jesus’ interaction with Judas. Here’s a link: www.bible.com/bible/116/JHN.13.NLT)

Jesus’ desire is that the disciples to know that he is the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God (all various titles that mean the same thing).

But Jesus also wants them to know he loves them.

John 13 opens with this statement: (I’m going to quote from a different translation, just because I love the way it’s worded):

1 …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 end.

That is such a true statement of Jesus’ relationship with us. “…having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

At this “last supper” Jesus chose the role of the lowest servant, and washed each of the disciples’ feet. He then talked about their need to also be humble. And to serve others.

Jesus always seemed concerned with heart motives, right attitudes.

In earlier chapters of John, we looked at some of the laws the Pharisees had. They were obsessed with outward behaviors and rules. Now Jesus brings them a new law:

34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

Q – What do you think of Jesus’ commandment?
A –

Q – How would they know how to love? What does Jesus point to that would help them know how to love? (see verse 34 above)
A –

In our roles and responsibilities, there are certain standards we are measured by. It might be productivity, timeliness, ideas, what we accomplish, etc.

Jesus tells us how we show others that we are followers of him:

35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

In chapters 14 – 17, we will look at HOW we’re able to love one another. Jesus is our model. But he’s much more than that. He is also God, and the one who can live in us and love others, through us. You’ll see!

Just in case you’re not sure you have a relationship with God, this explains how you can: www.everystudent.com/features/know-God.html

Sincerely,

Marilyn Adamson
director of EveryStudent.com
and StartingwithGod.com

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