Thoughts on the Gospel of John (126) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me. Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.
John 13:16-19

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (126)
Jesus gave His disciples an example: just as He washed their feet, they should also wash one another's feet. There can be no doubt that the Lord's action was intended to be symbolic, for He says to Peter, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this" (v. 7).

It is important to the Lord that His own take care of each other. Even today, He expects active love among His own. If someone is "overtaken in any trespass", others are to set him right in meekness as guided by the Spirit of God (Galatians 6:1). Those who think that a labour of love like this is beneath them really put themselves above the Lord Jesus. How good and blessed it is, therefore, not only to know what to do, but also to do it because He tells us to.

Among the 12 disciples there was one from whom the Lord did not expect active love: Judas. He was called to be an apostle, but the Lord knew him from the beginning - he was "a devil" (ch. 6:70). Even the Old Testament scriptures mention Judas' betrayal. It is a serious warning for people who have an outward show of Christianity, but who inwardly are far from Christ (Psalm 41:9).

The disciples would have been surprised that one of them was not one of "His own", but the Lord is not. He is the "I am", the omniscient Son of God.

Today's reading: Numbers 23:13-30 · Matthew 13:44-50