He loved them to the end
by Norma Koehne
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Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end (John 13:1b).
Read John 13:1–17
In our devotions for the rest of this week, we will see how Jesus lovingly prepared his disciples for the violent and confronting days ahead that would lead to his crucifixion and final leave-taking as he ascended into heaven. He forgets what he will face and devotes all his efforts to strengthening them.
This loving act of service performed by Jesus for his disciples would have been shocking for the readers at the time. Only the lowliest of servants were given the task of washing the dusty, dirty, smelly feet of their masters, not the other way around. Peter was justifiably upset, ‘You shall never wash my feet’. However, he had not jumped up and done this task himself. When he realised that to reject this loving act on the part of Jesus was to alienate himself from his teacher and friend, he did an about-turn and asked Jesus to wash him completely. I can’t help but be reminded of my baptism when I was washed clean and made a child of God.
However, this act of service pales in comparison with the even greater acts of service that Jesus lovingly performed and is still performing for us. He took my sins and yours upon himself, died a shameful and painful death upon the cross, and was forsaken by his Father so that we can be reconciled to his Father. Every day we are clothed with the righteousness Jesus won for us. He comes to us with his body and blood to assure us that our sins are forgiven and that we are beloved members of his family.
Truly he has loved us to the end.
Jesus, by your sinless death, you have washed us in the waters of baptism, covered us with your righteousness, and we appear as pure and spotless before your Father. For all this, we thank and praise you. Amen.
Norma grew up at Koonibba in South Australia. She was a teacher at Concordia College in SA and then served in various roles in Papua New Guinea with her husband. Returning to Australia, Norma worked as an international student advisor and, after completing a PhD, worked in administration at the University of Divinity. She has been privileged to serve the LCA on the General Church Council and Seminary Council and as president of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Lutheran Women of Australia. Currently, she is happily retired.
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