1 QUOTE

"If you ain’t got no haters, you ain’t poppin."

– Richie Rich

1 NOTE

The last night began with footwashing. This was a visual parable of Jesus’ entire mission and story. Jesus rose from supper (13:4), just as he rose from the eternal throne. Jesus laid aside his garment (13:4), just as he laid aside his privileges as God. Jesus wrapped himself in a towel (13:4), just as he wrapped himself in humanity. Jesus washed the disciples feet (13:5), just as he washes our souls with his blood. Jesus takes back his garments (13:12), just as he takes back his glory. Jesus reclines at table (13:12), just as he reclines today with the Father in heaven. Footwashing is not a moment, but a metaphor for union life with God. With the Servant King washing our feet, what could possibly go wrong? The short answer is the world.

The world will always world. The Apostle John uses world as code for ‘humanity organizing itself against God.’ The word world is used 40 times in John 13-17. Jesus loves his disciples to the end by telling them the world will hate them. Jesus prepares his disciples by promising persecution. In our world today, persecution happens when values collide. But rather than meet face to face to reconcile, and create peace, hardness wins out. In some parts of the world, persecution means violence and death. In my part of the world, it means side-eyes, gossip and social cancelling.

How does Jesus respond to persecution? When attacked, Jesus calmly affirms that he is sent by the Father. Jesus, and the apostles, operated in spiritual authority. They never compromised the standards of the Kingdom. And for this they were hated. The base of spiritual authority is not man, but God. The word sent is recorded 61 times in John. Persecution is the sixth, and the most painful sign, that you are abiding in Christ!

1 QUESTION

The Apostle Paul writes that all who live a godly life will be persecuted for their faith (2 Timothy 3:12). How have you experienced persecution for following Jesus and how did the hate make you stronger?

Until Next Tuesday,

John