“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” —John 13:1 (NKJV)
The three-and-a-half-year ministry of Jesus on earth was a ministry He entered into because He loved the brethren. The opening scripture shows us that He knew the time had come for Him to be the sacrifice. Even though that was on His mind, His love for us was all that lingered in His heart.
The Bible explicitly tells us that “He loved them to the end.” This was a choice He made—a choice to love us even though our sins required the payment of His blood. He chose to love us until the end, even though the sacrifice He made was going to cause a separation between Him and His Father.
As they beat Him, teased Him, and disgraced Him, all He carried in His heart was the love He had for us. Apostle Paul described this love by saying, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” —Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV)
The Lord remains an example that we all must follow. An example of selfless love, of unconditional and unending love, and of true and passionate love. This type of love is hard to find anywhere else. That is why people get hurt easily when someone they love hurts them.
Imagine how often you hurt Him, yet He still cares and does not complain about what you do. Don’t you think it is time to revisit the character you are showing toward Him and consider what you would do if someone else did the same to you?
What goes through your mind when you realize that He knows you would rather be with other people than with Him? What goes through your mind when you understand that your attitude toward Him shows that you don’t really care about what He did for you? What goes through your mind when you realize that your attitude shows you would rather keep a distance from Him than have a close relationship?
Guess what? Despite all this—despite the attitude you show Him—He still loves you. Even though you may not be reciprocating 1% of His care and affection, His care for you is still 100% and will never diminish. So, I admonish you to reciprocate His love because He loves you to the end.
Today’s Rhema
He Loves You Till the End!
Confession for the Day
Your love, O God, amazes me. I consider the times I complained about You and never considered what I have done against You. Yet, You still chose to love me unconditionally, passionately, and selflessly. I am grateful that You chose me. I am grateful that You love me, and I declare that my heart is open to love You and to love You more. Amen!
