The powerful, unconditional, endless love that Jesus had for his disciples at the end of his earthly life is truly awe-inspiring and amazing! The Scripture states, “He loved them to the last and to the highest degree.” Even though His personal relationship with each disciple was unique, because each individual disciple’s understanding and love towards the Teacher were at different spiritual levels -Jesus loved each deeply and longed to show them the full measure of His love. Each disciple also possessed unique personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses.
Sitting at the table of the Last Supper, Jesus was aware that each individual disciple would soon act out what was in his heart. Shortly, Judas would betray Him; some of the disciples would sleep instead of praying at Gethsemane; Peter would get caught up in fear and anger, and use a sword to cut off a centurion’s ear- later denying Jesus three times and cursing His name; the others would desert Him to run away and hide; and only John, the beloved disciple, would stay close to Him near the cross, with His mother and Mary Magdalene.
During the last supper, in spite of knowing His disciples’ weaknesses, Jesus put on a servant’s towel and washed their feet. This humble act of service was motivated out of His pure love and was given to us as an example of what lasting love to the highest degree looks like! Such a beautiful example of’ humbling oneself’ inspires believers today to let go of ego, and like John the Baptist profess, “I must become less, so He can become more.” Jesus said, “I speak to you timeless truth: a servant is not superior to his master, and an apostle is never greater than the one who sent him. So now put into practice what I have done for you, and you will experience a life of happiness enriched with untold blessings!”
This does not mean that love, humility, and service will always change those we serve or build relationships, but it will change the server as we learn to surrender our hearts and follow the Lord’s Way! Remember, Peter repented after he denied the Lord and was used mightily by God to build the Kingdom, but Judas betrayed Jesus and went over to Satan’s side. He did not repent!
All throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, with His disciples following, these chosen few would fall short. They would get caught up in their ego and demand of Jesus, “Who is the greatest among us”? Many times, they misunderstood and misinterpreted the words of the Teacher. Yet, the Lord continued loving, patiently teaching, and being a living example to His inconsistent disciples. Jesus did not stay focused on what these chosen few were doing wrong! His focus would be on the plans He had for each individual’s destiny – His focus would be on giving His life for His friends- His focus would be on speaking the truth in love- His focus would be on making them new creatures through the unified power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- His focus would be on becoming the center of their hearts.
Jesus desires that we become His humble servants, not just to those who are agreeable and lovely but to the many who are disagreeable and unlovely. True “God-love” keeps on loving and serving to the end, even in the middle of difficult and demanding circumstances. We are all at different spiritual levels, and each of us must continue to learn lessons of humility and God’s pure love in life’s school. Sometimes we will fail the test of having a humble heart, but be assured we will get another chance to re- learn and re-take the test. Our God is working the life of His Son, into our hearts and lives, through the amazing power of the Holy Spirit. It is a lifetime work that begins at the cross, and continues to develop in our hearts and minds as we spiritually step forward on this earth. Our prayer must be: “Lord, let your powerful love and wisdom control me, and create in me a humble servant’s heart that you may be glorified and honored in and through my life!”
“[Now] before the Passover Feast began, Jesus knew [was fully aware] that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. And as He had loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the last and to the highest degree” (John 13:1amp).
“Jesus knew that the night before Passover would be his last night on earth before leaving this world to return to the Father’s side. All throughout his time with his disciples, Jesus had demonstrated a deep and tender love for them. And Now he longed to show them the full measure of his love” (John13: tPt).
