“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” John 13:1 (ESV)
Nothing sweeter than spending quality time with my besties. Despite several delayed attempts for us to steal some time away for the beach, Fall 2021 didn’t disappoint. Great weather, awesome friends – what more could a girl ask for?
The gift of friendship is a treasured jewel – in a world full of tweets, posts and less face to face interactions, we long for conversations and meals gathered around the table. Laughter filling the air. Silence at just the right moments. And the wisdom to know what to say and how to say it. Chatting into the late hours of the morning. Shopping until we drop exhausted. Doing life together never felt better.
Your tribe, peeps, besties – whatever you call those you allow to draw close to your inner circle – it’s a trusted space reserved for those who love us to the end.
Jesus’ tribe of 12 – His inner circle – was comprised of doubters, tax collectors, fishermen, etc. Ordinary men who left it all behind to follow Him. Jesus knew them intimately, taught them, laughed with them and walked countless miles down dusty roads with His twelve. Wouldn’t you have loved to hear some of those conversations as they gathered around a cozy fire? Three years full of miracles, lessons and closeness with the very Son of God.
John 13 unveils the riveting truth, Jesus’ time on earth was coming to a close. His purpose would take on new heights as He suffered and died for our sins. Betrayed by one of His closest and abandoned by all in his darkest hour. Yet two pivotal words were nestled in these verses – Jesus knew. Yes, He knew the clock was ticking and His days were fleeting on this earth. Yes, He knew the one (Judas) who would sell Him out and the fleeing sandaled feet of His tribe scattering in fear when He needed them the most.
Jesus knew yet He lavishly laid aside His garments, lowered Himself, took a towel and washed the feet of His tribe. A tender moment confusing to those whose dirty feet were touched and cleansed. A final lesson in servanthood:
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater that his master nor is he who is sent greater that 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.” John 13:14-17
Sweet friends, we are blessed indeed if we follow Jesus’ example – knowing, yet loving and serving until the very end.
“Father, the ultimate expression of Your love for this world culminated on the cross. Your sacrificial love compels us to do the same – give our all for the sake of others.”
For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life
trbccoffeebreak 
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