Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jesus sets an example at the Last Supper (13:13-17); foretells His betrayal and Peter's denial (13:21-38); then comforts His Apostles (14:1-6;15-27; 16:7-11). He & the Father are One (14:7-14). The fruit-bearing believer is chosen (15:1-7,15-17), hated, and persecuted (15: 18-27; 16:1-6). Instructions concerning Jesus' death (16:16-33).
Just think! Jesus our Savior and Lord has assured us: My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (14:27). This means that all of our worries are unnecessary, a result of not having enough faith in His promises. However, He emphasizes that His promises are contingent upon our keeping His Commandments. He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings (14:24). It is unthinkable that God would ask us to do anything that was not for our benefit. Jesus said: If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (14:15). When we ignore His Commandments, it is evidence of allowing the carnal nature to rule and evident that Jesus is not Lord of our lives. Isn't it wonderful to know that: If ye keep My Commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's Commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (15:10-11).
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Leviticus 19:18) was the Old Command; but, no such imperfect reflection of love as this is given in the New Command: As I have loved you (John 13:34). This New Commandment encourages us to examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (II Corinthians 13:5). If we fail this love test and we have hate, lust, or an unforgiving attitude toward another, it is because we have not understood Christ's love and will face the tormentors (Matthew 18:34-35).
When Christ is Lord and rules our lives, it is natural to bestow compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. Jesus said: Love your enemies . . . and pray for them. . . . and your reward shall be great (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:35). Only by God's grace are we able to say with the Apostle Paul: I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Galatians 2:20). Surely, He is the same Christ within us with the same desire to please the Father as when He prayed: The love wherewith Thou has loved Me may be in them, and I in them (John 17:26). Remember how patiently He has forgiven us, how faithfully He helps in every time of need.
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (I John 4:20, read all of Matthew 18:21-35).
Thought for Today:
If Jesus disciples love Him, they also will love all who are children of the Heavenly Father — members of one great spiritual family.
Word Studies:
13:10 but not all =b> but not every one; all were clean except Judas; 15:2 purgeth it =b> eliminate what is keeping it from bearing better fruit.
Cross References:
For John 13:18: See Psalm 41:9. John 15:25: See Psalm 35:19; 69:4.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Tony Martin • Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Raymond M. Fritzler • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Officials: Rep. John Carter (TX) and Rep. David Davis (TN) • Country: Mauritania (2.6 million) in western Africa • Major language: Hasaniya Arabic • Islamic state with no mission work allowed • 99+% Muslim (predominantly Sunni); .2% Christian (predominantly foreigners) • Prayer Suggestion: Rely upon the Lord at all times; He is your refuge (Psa. 62:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33