146.     “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 do.”                                                     -John 13:14-15            Context: John 13:1-17

Jesus’ words here do not mean that we need to have foot-washing ceremonies (although those can be very meaningful). He means that Christians are to serve one another in love. No act of service is too small for any true believer. In those days they wore sandals everywhere they went, walking on dusty roads. When they came into a house, their feet were filthy. It was basic hospitality to meet that need as a person came into your dwelling. That had not happened when Jesus and the disciples came into the dwelling. Perhaps the disciples were complaining that it had not been done! What did Jesus do? He took up the basin and the towel and did the work of a servant, meeting the need of the moment. Like Jesus we are called to meet needs when we see them! We see it when a church member mows the grass on the softball field so others can play on the field later that day. We see it when a football team captain helps the team manager carry the water to the practice field. The next time you see a need you can meet, do it, and you too are among the foot-washers!

 147.    “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”            -John 13:34-35

Love is to mark us as disciples. Not the wishy-washy pseudo-love that never confronts sin in our own lives or others, but the deep kind of love that helps us grow more like Christ together and move beyond besetting sins. I am reminded of the man who brought a new Christian into his home to stay until he got back on his feet. The new Christian had just resolved to turn from drugs and didn’t want his host’s children to see him go through withdrawal symptoms. The host refused to let him leave. He put blankets on him that night when the new believer had the shakes and shivers and sweats that come from withdrawal. What did the kids see next? They saw their godly father stay with the man through the night and even at times hold him. They saw their dad do what Jesus had done – come near with God’s help! That’s love!

148.     Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” -Luke 22:15-16            Context: Luke 22:14-20

Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper to visually remind us of His body broken for us, His blood shed for us – the source of our salvation. What wonderful commands to obey: eat and drink in remembrance that because we have trusted Jesus alone for salvation, we now have eternal life in Jesus our Lord! The Lord’s Supper reminds us that the only reason we are going to Heaven is because Christ’s body was broken for us, His blood shed for us. Partaking of the elements symbolizes that we have spiritually partaken of His offer to give eternal life to all who believe! What a day it will be when Jesus personally leads us in the Lord’s Supper at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb spoken of in Revelation 19! Until then, let us rejoice when we take the Lord’s Supper together, as we proclaim the life giving sacrificial death of the Lord (I Cor. 11:26).

149.     Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.         -John 14:1-3            Context: John 14:1-11

What a blessed command we are called to obey – “Let not your heart be troubled!” What can calm a troubled heart? Belief in Jesus which leads to knowing God as Father, and getting to be with this blessed God forever after this life. So many of the commands have a promise attached. Believe in Jesus and receive eternal life (John 3:16). Receive Jesus and become a child of God (John 1:12). Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). And here – let not your heart be troubled, but believe – I am preparing your place in Heaven!

150.     Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these will he will do, because I go to My Father.                                                 -John 14:12     Context: John 14:12-18

What is Jesus saying here? He is saying that after He ascends to the Father and the Holy Spirit indwells believers (see John 7:37-39; Eph. 1:13-14), the full power of the gospel will then be unleashed through believers as they share how Jesus saves! Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost and this promise began to be fulfilled – 3,000 people were saved that day! Researchers tell us that today 3,000 people are saved on average every hour of every day around the world! Wherever Biblical faith has gone since the days of the early church incredible things have happened. From the churches Paul planted around the Roman Empire in the first century to unreached people groups being engaged today, “greater works” are still happening through those who follow Christ. But since it is all energized by the Spirit of Christ, it is really Him doing it through us. Let us resolve to do the same kind of deeds Jesus did for His honor and glory!