Tuesday 7th November - John 13

Today’s chapter is John 13

Tom writes:

Jesus tells John in advance that Judas is the one who will betray him.  This little whisper across the dinner table could have put the whole cross and resurrection plan in jeopardy. What if John had jumped up and started berating Judas? And yet Jesus takes that risk for the sake of deepening his relationship with John. He loved John so much that he told him his secrets. It almost feels reckless.  Jesus is equally committed to pursuing deeper relationships with us.  If we would just recline next to him and ask him questions we may be gobsmacked by what he discloses.  It is all part of the ‘new command’ that Jesus is giving. Jesus demonstrates with John the kind of love he wants all of us to have as the defining mark of our discipleship. Wow.  I know there are many people in church really seeking to love one another.  We have been overwhelmed by how much people have loved us in church.  But I still want to press into this more. I want to give people more time, more encouragement, more support and more of the Father.

I’m such an amateur in love. Especially if the people I’m meant to love act stupid. Some betray Jesus. Some deny Jesus with their actions and their words. Lots of them misunderstand Jesus and keep on asking questions that make no sense. Yes, lots of people are just like the disciples were, and they are just like me. And that is why Jesus’ love feels quite so reckless. That is why it is noticed by the world. Because a love that washes feet, reclines together and trusts others with information, a love that knows about betrayal and loves the betrayer anyway - that is the kind of love that is different. That’s the kind of love we all want to receive and Jesus invites us to give. I have so much more to learn from Jesus about how to really love.  Oh God would you please help me to become more like Jesus and to lavish love on my fellow followers in the way.

Question for reflection

What is Jesus whispering to you across the dinner table?