Emotional

John 13 

I’m having a difficult time moving out of the opening section of John 13. The Bible is like a reflection off a prism. As you turn it slightly to a different angle, you see a whole new wonder of radiant reflections of the glory of Jesus. So, why should I rush? 

When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit …13:21 

We have seen, on occasion, the emotions of Jesus. In His sinlessness, His humanity is sometimes emphasized and His emotions are occasionally described by the gospel writers. As Jesus sat down with the disciples for the Passover dinner, John describes four thoughts that were dominant in Jesus’ mind. Thoughts that are filled with emotion. 

• John 13:1. Jesus, knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father…, 13:1. We can’t fully understand the burden Jesus had “knowing” what was to come. The heartache of rejection, the physical pain of torture and the monumental weight of the evil of sin bearing down upon Him, was on His mind. Knowing that His hour had come…was painfully emotional. I just don’t think we can comprehend. 
• John 13:1. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 13:1. Love is usually a happy topic. Songs have been written, poems have been penned and posters have been hung to honor the joy of love. This statement of Jesus’ love certainly carries with it a wonder of joy, devotion and care. But to Jesus, it means He has to fulfill all that God requires of Him to bring salvation to the world. It means betrayal, torture and death. In His love for me and you, He will see it through to the end. Once again, this is the pain and heartache of true love. To love to the end. These thoughts were on His mind and he is suppressing the emotions associated with these thoughts…for now.
• John 13:2. During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him…the devil found a weakened heart that was receptive of evil and betrayal. The whispers of the devil found a willing listener. Jesus knew what Judas was going to do. Nevertheless, Jesus acted normal toward him. During his time with the band of disciples, He treated Judas just like the others. It’s difficult, it’s painful and its heart-wrenching to know that one whom you have shown kindness, will stab you in the back.  
• John 13.3. Jesus, knowing that the father had given all things into His hands, and that He came forth from God and was going back to God… So, here’s how I see it. All these thoughts of emotional suffering, rejection, betrayal, torture and death are flashing through His mind in moments of emotional distress…BUT THEN, THERE IS THE REALITY OF GOD!!! Through the pain, Jesus also realizes it is all according to the master plan of His Father. Jesus will be very, very, very alone in the world in a matter of hours when Judas betrays, the disciples scatter, the full hatred of the Jewish leaders will be unleashed upon…BUT GOD!!! But God is with Him. Though it all, Jesus knows from where He came, to whom He belongs, and where He is going! 

Folks, the finished work of Jesus can give you the same hope in the midst of the darkest hours. Dear friends and followers of Christ…Please know where you came from as a child of God, restored and redeemed by His perfect love. Love that loves you to the end. There’s nothing unfinished about Jesus’ love for you. Please know to whom you belong. Finally, embrace your Savior and be well aware of where you are going. Heaven is your destiny. Amen