JESUS KNEW!

I stumbled across two verses this morning that really got me thinking. 

Our major celebration of the resurrection of Christ – the highest, holiest day of the year for His followers – is just a month away.

Some are aware of this upcoming observation; others are just happy that spring is knocking on our door. 

If traditions persist, then attendances on that Sunday will be strong.  Sanctuaries and worship centers will be filled with lilies and decorated with empty crosses and tombs. 

Meanwhile homes will be decorated with bunnies, fancy eggs, and an occasional cross, while our observations will bring families together for big meals. 

But today – following my normal schedule of Bible reading – I read the following words from John 13.  Keep in mind that these words were recorded by one of Jesus’ inner three!  It’s a POWERFUL CHAPTER that leads to several more that include Jesus’ deepest teaching before He went to the cross.

Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the very end….Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything and that he had come from God and was going back to God.  [13:1,3]

Debbie and I lived in northeastern China for three years, where we taught English at the Changchun University of Science and Technology.  We lived in a hotel that lodged all of the international students and teachers.  We walked to classes and entertained students regularly in our apartment.  Some students became more than just students!  They came to our apartment frequently bearing gifts and sharing meals.  We played games and talked endlessly.  The bonds of connection became very strong! 

And then, it was time to return to our American home.  It was hard leaving these friends and students.  It was hard saying goodbye to our hotel neighbors from so many nations!  As much as we were anxious to come home to family, we also experienced tremendous sorrow at leaving our nest in Changchun. 

Five girls that had become quite close followed us to the airport and waved to us constantly as we prepared to depart.  At one point, we were confronted with a problem getting through security.  The girls recognized that we were having a problem.  Daphne immediately pushed through the crowd to get to us!  She intervened with the officials and soon, after another brief hug, we were out of their sight! 

I struggled for several months readjusting to American culture upon our return in late July.  The struggle was only magnified in October by the death of our son, Travis.

Leaving the familiar is hard!  The ending of relationships affects us deeply! 

Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father.

But it’s important for us to recognize that Jesus knew a great deal more than this!  He also knew HOW He was going to leave this world!  He knew there was a cross in His future!  He knew that mockery and beatings awaited Him!  He knew that His followers would run into the darkness abandoning Him to the Temple guards.  He knew He would be publicly humiliated!

Yet, He had so much yet to teach His followers!  Some of His most important lessons had yet to be delivered.  He had to strengthen them and prepare Himself for what was about to happen later this very evening! 

So – knowing full well that His time was drawing to an end – Taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the follower’s feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [vs.4-5]

And, of course, you know the rest of the story…