That Kind of Love

It had been a long day and he was looking forward to sitting and hanging out with his close friends.  There was a lot of activity around the city and the air was full of excitement.  The twelve walked in and saw the table set.  He smiles.  Someone had carefully laid out the tableware and utensils.  He recognized the simple attention to detail and someones thoughtful flair.  He let out a small sigh of relief, knowing the room was full of holy tension.  At last, a little quiet time with a few intimate friends.   

Before dinner, there was one task at hand.  As the twelve were settling into their places around the table, He goes to the corner and brings a basin filled with water.  He kneels quietly and simply washed their feet.  

   v.4 "So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel had around him." 

As he gently washed, He longingly looked into the eyes of those who would meet his.  Some looked away and others wanted to trade places.  Their gazes of amazement didn't deter the Teacher.   

As he softly dries, do you think he recalls those who had disobeyed, those who had doubts this gig was worth it?  Do you think he picks out the most wayward heart? What about the traitor who was about to betray him?  Or the one who will deny Him three times in the next few hours?  Even still....Love served the hearts, humility knelt, Peace washed and dried.  Even though...He knew their hearts.  He knew... what the next few days held. 

John 13:1  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. 

What kind of love is that?  Not one that is conditional, or comparing, nor measured by man.  It is a sacrificial love that serves and accepts.  Jesus, the only One, poured out his life as a drink offering for his very associates who  who were going to fail, to deny, to turn away, hate, kill, compromise their beliefs, to crucify.  His love displayed in the washing of their feet was a Love that was obedient unto death.  

  That's a kind of Love that I can't get past.

This perfect Love is unparalleled.  The events that followed his act of service reveal the full extension of the perfect Love.  Jesus' love is proclaimed from the ultimate humiliation, the torture, and death on the cross.  No greater Love has ever been or will ever be.   

Perfect Love saves.  I am reminded of this Love when I am found in His presence.  It's free and available to anyone and everyone who believes and calls on His name.  

You can trust it, hope in it and have faith in it.  

Pure.Simple.Love.    

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Ps. 13:5

Embrace God's love and find joy in His presence.