John 13:22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.
Commentary today focused on “the disciple whom Jesus loved” and the intimate relationship implied even though all of the disciples abandoned Jesus in His hour of need. Here’s what I struggle with: Jesus knows, yet He loves them anyway. He knows Judas will betray Him. He knows Peter will disown Him. He knows all of it, yet He loves them still.
John 13:23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
Not only does He love them anyway, He encourages them. He says in Luke 22:32 “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” In Matthew 22:39 He says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t live this level of self-love and compassion.
John 13:24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”
Lord, You knew that the disciples would betray and abandon You, doubt You, doubt themselves, run away. And yet You loved them anyway. You encouraged them to strengthen their brothers once they got themselves straightened out. Help me to show that level of love and compassion to myself and all those I encounter. Help me to fully live the truth of Your fierce love for me. Amen.
John 13:25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
Have a blessed day.
I am reminded of the song “I am so Blessed.” Regardless of where we are and what kind of day we are having, we are HIS children. How much bigger is God’s love for us than even the love we have for our own children! I long to be honor HIM with my “good behavior” and a “faithful walk”, but, thankfully, HIS love for me is not dependent on either of those. And I do pray that I can stay out of HIS way and allow HIM to love on the world through me. We are a work in progress. Thank you for your faithfulness, sweet child of Our LORD.