What has Jesus done?
by Dianne Eckermann
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His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant (John 13:22).
Read John 13:21–32
There are many things Jesus knows about his immediate future. He knows when and how he will die. He knows the suffering that lies ahead for him. He knows who will betray him. He also knows all of this will happen soon, very soon.
In contrast, the disciples seem to be more confused than ever. They have no idea that one of their close-knit group plans to betray their leader. They have been with Jesus since the beginning of his ministry and must know each other and Jesus really well, but they are struggling to understand what is happening. While Jesus does not come right out and name Judas Iscariot as the person who will betray him, he tells them the person he is sharing bread with is, in fact, that person. Still, they don’t understand and erroneously think that Jesus has sent Judas on an errand.
Whether we are new Christians or have known Jesus for most of our lives, today’s message suggests none of us know God as well as we might hope. We share our humanity with the disciples and also our ignorance. Some years ago, there was a fascination with wearing wristbands with the letters WWJD on them: What would Jesus do? It’s a good question and possibly one where we might arrogantly believe we know the answer. At best, we might say that Jesus would act out of love, not self-interest. We should also expect that his actions would be both totally unexpected and perfectly right for the situation.
With the benefit of hindsight, we can see what the disciples cannot. This in no way makes our understanding superior, just better informed. Like Jesus, we are in a position to know what is about to happen to him. With this understanding, we can focus on the amazing love his sacrifice means for each and every one of us and share, as best as we humanly can, that love with all who touch our lives.
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us despite our faults and sinful nature. We thank you also for your gifts of grace and mercy, which we know we do not deserve. Help us to share your love with those around us. Amen.
Dianne has served in Lutheran education as a teacher, school leader and system leader at Lutheran Education Australia. Now retired from full-time work, she continues to volunteer on several committees and as a school board member. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband, Robert, and is in strong demand as a babysitter for her three grandchildren.
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