Sermon nuggets Mon Aug 18
Theme: Love Demonstrated- John 13:1-17
Verses: John 13:1-4 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. (NIV)
A Godly Love
My theater professor at Bethel, Dale Rott, authored a play called, "Adam Man". In a contemporary setting the character, Adam, is avidly pursuing the desires that most people have: fame, money, power and so forth. During the play, from time to time, a lowly humble figure comes to him poorly dressed. He wants to talk to Adam, but Adam is not impressed and shrugs him off. He is simply ignored in the important pursuits of life. One time this figure leaves a gift, but when Adam opens it he has a look of distain and leaves it there.
With each achievement Adam is given a laurel or a long banner of honor that he wears. In time he has achieved many long ribbons. It would resemble the gold, silver, an bronze metals of life has they would hang down to his feel. He begins the dance of success. While dancing Adam is literally all tied up and unable to move with the very things that were the rewards of his desires. Then he looks at the gift sitting there on the floor. With a broken spirit, he struggles to pick up the contents of the box. The audience then sees items are a bowl and a towel. When he picks them up the ribbons that bind him fall off. He is free.
The idea of this dramatic parable is one that is acted out by Jesus before his disciples. The time of Jesus crucifixion was soon upon him. Jesus spends his final hours with his disciples sharing important principles by example and instruction in love. During this last supper with the disciples this becomes Jesus opportunity to demonstrate love. It is a Godly love that would culminate in His pouring out his blood.
Jesus could face the cross knowing he was fully loved by the Father in Heaven. Knowing some important things he can only know because of this spiritual love relationships.
Five times in these 17 verses Jesus speaks about knowing, realizing, and understanding. Knowledge does tend to give us calmness within circumstances. The lack of knowledge often gives insecurity. Knowing we are loved by God and nothing can take us from that love allows us to also be people to freely show love to others.
When you can be confident your identity is ultimately found in God and His love you learn nothing can happen outside of His ultimate will, even if it is facing the cross. There is a sense of purpose. Jesus didn't have to hold back His love. He knew who He was. He had nothing more to hide. In taking the towel and bowel He began to show the full extent of His love. It was a Godly love. It is extended to you and me.
Pastor Dale.
