Read John 13
Highlights:
The defiled cannot enter the Kingdom of God, BUT Jesus can and will cleanse those who choose to obey Him (John 13:4-17). Are we guilty of betrayal or denial (13:18-38)? The Comforter promised (14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-15); new relationship (14:20-21;15:12-21) described (15:1-11). Jesus overcomes sorrow and trials with joy and peace (16:16-33).
Jesus our Savior and Lord has assured us: My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). All of our worries, the result of not having enough faith in His promises, are unnecessary. However, Jesus emphasized: Not every one . . . shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father (Matt. 7:21). It is unthinkable that God would ask us to do anything that was not for our benefit. Jesus said: If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (John 14:15). When we ignore His Commandments, it is evident that we are allowing the carnal nature to rule and that Jesus is not Lord of our lives. Isn't it wonderful to know that: If ye keep My Commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's Commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (15:10-11).
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Lev. 19:18) was the Old Command; but, Jesus in the New Command refers to a perfect reflection of love: As I have loved you . . . ye also (ought to) love one another (John 13:34). This New Commandment encourages us to examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (II Cor. 13:5). We will be delivered . . . to the tormentors. . . . if ye (we) from your (our) hearts forgive not every one his brother (Matt. 18:34-35).
When we allow Christ to be Lord of our lives, it will be natural to extend compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. Jesus said: Love your enemies . . . and pray for them. . . . and your reward shall be great (5:44; Luke 6:35). Only by the grace of God are we able to say with the Apostle Paul: I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Gal. 2:20). Surely, He is the same Christ within us with the same desire to please the Father as when He prayed: That the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them (John 17:26). Remember how patiently He has forgiven us, how faithfully He helps in every time of need.
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen (I John 4:20; Matt. 18:21-35)?
Thought for Today:
Above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves: for charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins (I Pet. 4:8).
Cross References:
For John 13:18: See Ps. 41:9. John 15:25: See Ps. 35:19; 69:4.
Word Studies:
13:10 but not all, but not every one; all were clean except Judas; 15:2 purgeth it = eliminates what is keeping it from bearing better fruit.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Sec. Arne Duncan (Dept. of Education) and Rep. John Carter (TX) • Country: Djibouti (447,000) in eastern Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 91% Muslim; 7% Roman Catholic; .75% Eastern Orthodox; about 300 Protestants • Prayer Suggestion: Prayer with an upright spirit and heart is a delight to God (Prov. 15:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12
