Tuesday | Week 12

If you knew you were soon facing death...and if you knew you had one more opportunity to sit down and share a meal with your loved ones...what would you say? What words would you impart? What final thoughts would you share?

The betrayal of Judas has begun. He has departed. The Upper Room now holds Jesus and His eleven disciples. In John 13:31, Jesus begins to share His final words. Try to put yourself in this setting as Jesus begins to speak to you:

Love one another.
Let not your hearts be troubled.
Believe in God. Believe also in me.
I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
I will not leave you as orphans.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Let not your hearts be troubled.
I am the true vine.
Abide in me, and I in you.
You are my friends.
I will send Him (the Spirit) to you.
Your sorrow will turn into joy.
Whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give it to you.
In the world you will have tribulation.
Take heart; I have overcome the world.

With tenderness and deep love, coupled with encouragement and truth and the promise of the Holy Spirit, Jesus prepares His disciples for what is to come. He refers to these eleven grown men as “little children” in John 13:33! By addressing them in this way, His compassion and care and concern for His disciples are evident. Jesus chooses His final words carefully and intentionally knowing what His disciples would be facing. Jesus knew death was knocking at His door. Jesus also knew that greater love has no one than to lay down His life for His friends (John 15:13). Jesus’ love would soon become evident at Golgotha in the form of a cross. Greater love has no one...