Loved to the End

​“When Jesus knew that his HOUR had COME to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he LOVED them to THE END.”
~John 13:1

Welcome back!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and joyous New Year!  Back in November, we completed studying the first twelve chapters of the gospel of John, and are now, as promised, returning to finish the book.  For we couldn’t end at chapter twelve!  It would be like quitting a book right before the climax of the story!

At the end of chapter twelve, we found Jesus withdrawing from His public ministry after rebuking the Pharisees for their hardness of heart.  The time line is the week of Passover and thus, the week leading to the crucifixion.  At this point, Jesus was embarking on the grueling road that would lead Him to Calvary and subsequent separation from His Father, and therefore, it is no wonder that He withdrew from the public eye.  However, during this time Jesus did not forsake His chosen disciples, but instead spent His remaining days pouring into their lives, teaching them, preparing and equipping them to become the men He’d use to build His Church.  And above all, He loved them to the end.

The final words of a man about to die are those of most importance.  It is always the too short window of time when one tries to impart things most precious and dear.  Our Savior, likewise, spent the days leading to His crucifixion teaching His disciples and speaking His final words.  And though the disciples didn’t realize this at the time, we—with the hindsight of history—know.  So with this knowledge, we can’t just stop our study at chapter twelve, but must press on and delve further into the life-giving words of the Messiah!

Therefore, starting Monday, we’ll begin looking at the final teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the road to Calvary.  So will you join us?​

​"Lead me to the cross where Your loved poured out
Bring me to my knees Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself I belong to you
Oh lead me, lead me to the cross"
~Brooke Fraser “Lead Me to the Cross”