Commandments and Promises

Week Eight - Day 5

Today's Reading

Gospel according to John 13:1 to 16:24

The setting for today's reading is the Last Supper, although for John the focus is not Jesus' blessing and offering of the bread and wine as his body and blood, but rather the washing of the disciples feet as a sign of their call to servanthood to one another.  John's interest is for Christians to follow the new commandment that Jesus gives his followers, and that we "love one another" (13:34a).  This is not a sentimental love, but a love that drops us to our knees in humility and service to others as we offer the fullness of our lives to God.  This is why Jesus washed the disciples feet, as a sign that "Just as I have love you, you also should love one another" (13:34b).  The idea of servanthood and love are repeated often by Jesus in today's passages, a point that John doesn't want us to miss.

As Jesus knows that his hours are limited (John never lets us forget that Jesus is totally aware of what is occurring around him as well as what lies ahead, and accepts it as what must happen).  In these hours he makes a number of promises to his disciples.  He says that his Father's house has many dwelling places, and he goes to prepare a place for them (14:1-3).  He says that he will do for the disciples whatever they ask in his name (14:13-14).  He promises that he will ask the Father to give them another Advocate (the Holy Spirit) who will be with them forever (14:16).  And finally, that he will not leave them orphaned (something that only happens upon death), but that he will return again (14:18-19).  

And how does Jesus wrap this all up? "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them" (14:23).  It is the Trinity trifecta in love!  The Holy Spirit (Advocate) will be given forever, and the Father and Son will come and dwell with us.  What more, you might ask, do we need?