Many Christians sacrifice for Christ in their own strength. As a result, they betray Him through disobedience. Fear and anxiety and fear become the fruit. The Christian life is impossible to live. That is why divine resources are required. Christ’s relationship with His Father models the dependent relationship we should have with Him through the Holy Spirit. The payoff is knowing God through His word and greater works. He wants to replace fear and anxiety with love and peace.
Jesus loved His own to the end and knew the following: His time had come to leave the world, the Father gave all things into His hands as He came forth from God and going back to Him. Jesus washed and wiped the disciples’ feet with His towel. Jesus said He would have no part with Peter when he refused having his feet washed. When Peter wanted his hands and head washed, Jesus said those bathed only needed their feet washed to be completely clean. Jesus knew the one betraying Him (John 13:1-11). Jesus proved His love by serving and cleansing His disciples.
After washing the disciples’ feet, He said they were right to call Him Teacher and Lord. They were to follow Jesus’ example in washing one another’s feet. Just as a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one sent greater than the sender. Jesus predicted that one would betray Him so “you may believe that I am He.” Those who receive Jesus also receive God who sent Him (John 13:12-20). Disciples serve others when they call Jesus Teacher and Lord.
Jesus being troubled in spirit said one would betray Him. He gave the morsel to Judas to show who would betray in answer to Peter’s question. Satan entered into Judas and went out immediately at night (John 13:21-30). Disciples betray and trouble Jesus when they follow Satan.
Jesus said God was glorified in the Son of Man. The disciples could not come where Jesus was going. He told them to love one another as He has loved them so all men would know they are His disciples (John 13:31-35). When people love one another as Christ loved them, they prove to be His disciples.
Peter asked Jesus where He was going. Jesus said Peter would deny Him three times after saying he would lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:36-38). Disciples will deny Christ if they sacrifice in their own strength.
Believe in God for there are many dwelling places in the Father’s house. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth,and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me,” in answer to Thomas’ question of where He was going. He who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. The Father abiding in Jesus does His works since He does not speak on His own initiative. You will do greater works than Christ if ask in His name because He intercedes to the Father who is glorified in the Son. God does anything you ask in Christ’s name if you love Him and keep His commandments. The Holy Spirit, as Helper and truth, will be with you forever whom the world can’t receive. If anyone loves Christ, he will keep His commandments. God loves you while Christ discloses Himself and abodes with you (John 14:1-24). Dependence on the Holy Spirit through prayer leads to knowing God and doing greater works.
The Holy Spirit whom the Father sends in Christ’s name teaches and brings to your remembrance all things He said to you. Christ brings peace so you don’t have to be troubled or fearful. Christ went away to the Father and will return in the future. He told them in advance so His disciples may believe and the world would know Christ loved the Father when these events occur (John 14:25-31). The Holy Spirit teaches God’s word so you will believe and have peace.
Confess sin of walking in your own strength realizing that apart from Him you can do nothing. Meditate on God’s love for you and then trust the Holy Spirit to impress His word upon your heart so you experience peace.
