Jesus Knew And It Didn’t Change a Thing

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.  So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

John 13:13

Have you ever read a scripture enough times that you feel there is nothing more you can get from it?  Easter Sunday morning I entered the sanctuary praising God for Jesus’ death and resurrection, but in retrospect I really don’t believe I had any expectation of hearing anything new.  Now don’t judge me.  I wasn’t aware of my low expectations.  That is not until I heard two little words–

Jesus knew.

These two simple, little words echoed through my mind the rest of the day.

Jesus knew.

Of course, Jesus knew he was going to be crucified.  After all he prophesied about it himself. But there is so much more behind those two little words that I had never thought about.

Jesus knew.

~ He knew Judas had been planning and scheming and would betray him for money.

~ He knew Peter would deny him three times.

~ He knew the disciples would fail him as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The fact that Jesus knew is important, but I am overwhelmed by what he did even though He did know.  Even though He knew Judas had a deceitful heart, He still welcomed him to the Passover meal AND He served him.  Even though He knew Peter had a fearful spirit, He still insisted on washing his feet.  And even though He knew His disciples had faint bodies, He prayed for them even as they slept.  Even when others were betraying Him or letting Him down, Jesus loved them all the same.

More remarkable yet, Jesus knew we would betray him as well, and yet, at a time when he was sweating drops of blood at what he was about to experience, He prayed for our unity and our salvation – and then He was beaten for us – and then He was crucified for us.  And He did so willingly because He loves us.

Jesus knew he would be betrayed over and over again yet it did not deter him from fulfilling the plan God had laid out for Him.  His mission, his goal, before, during, and after the betrayals was to obey God and bring honor and glory to His name.  If he had not, we would not have the hope of salvation for our sins we have today.

It occurs to me that if the Son of God was not surprised when he was betrayed by those closest to him, we should not be surprised when we are betrayed by those closest to us.  They, like Judas, Peter, and the disciples, are humans that sometimes make bad decisions.  And when this happens, we have an important decision to make.  Will we follow Jesus’ example and respond with love, service, and forgiveness OR do we respond as the world would respond? 

Can you imagine how the Last Supper would have looked had Jesus reacted in a socially acceptable way?  I think the dinner quite possibly could have started off with a round of gossip and ended with everyone choosing sides and squaring off.  It wouldn’t have made for a very good start for the first church, and it definitely would not have brought glory and honor to God.  It’s a ridiculous thought, but not any more ridiculous than it is when it happens today.  The clothes and scenery might be different but the outcome is the same – we dishonor God.

We live in a fallen world.  We will let other people down.  People will betray our trust.  That is not a surprise.  Our goal must be to learn how to live IN this world but not be OF this world.  I, for one, am extremely thankful Jesus gave us such a wonderful example of how to do that.  AND I am thankful He walks every step of the way with me because there is no way I could pull it off by myself.  And guess what?

He knows.

And He still loves me.

And He still forgives me.

And He still holds me gently in His hand as He teaches me how to bring glory and honor to my Father.

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Lord, please forgive me where I fail you.  Help me have the strength and wisdom not to betray those around me.  Let me see others as you see them and make my decisions according to what will bring glory and honor to you – not what is socially acceptable.  Thank you, Jesus, for loving me and walking with me.  Amen.