Basin and Towel part 4

What we know about a situation before entering into it will almost always dictate how we handle that situation.  If we enter into a room of people knowing that an old enemy is in the room, how we conduct ourselves may be different than if they were not there. In fact, if that person leaves the room, we feel a certain relief that they are gone. A freedom to conduct ourselves as normal. How did Jesus handle this kind of situation?

Here’s a little snack: John 13 tells the story of Jesus washing the feet of His 12 disciples. It’s a humble example of how we are to treat both our friends and our enemies.  The fact that Jesus knew that His time of departure from this world was nearing and that His leaving would be painful and tragic is without debate. Jesus was in fact God and knew His inevitable fate.  Perhaps Christ’s knowing fully His surroundings is what makes this story so remarkable.  Not only was He in the presence of His betrayer (Judas), but He knew it!

In fact, notice the number of times in this text that we are made aware of Christ’s full knowledge of His surroundings:

• Verse 1 says, “…Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father…” 
• Verse 3 says, “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;”
• Verse 11 says, “For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.”
• Verse 18 says, “I know whom I have chosen:”

At least 2 other times in this story we are made aware of Christ’s full knowledge of the situation. He knew that Judas would dip His bread after Him.  He also knew that the Peter would deny Him 3 times before the cock would crow.  It is this knowledge that makes this story so beautifully amazing.  For it is presence of such knowledge that Christ embarked upon such humility.

How many times have you said (or heard someone say), “Had I known that they were going to do that…” or “If I had known that they weren’t going to appreciate my gift…”?  You see, our knowing or not knowing the hearts of others will generally dictate how we deal with them.  Christ was no different.  He knew fully the hearts of all men and what their heart would lead them to do… and yet “…he loved them unto the end.” (verse 1)

This is why Jesus could tell them in verses 34 and 35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”  Notice that there are no stipulations on this commandment.  He did not say, “Love one another…unless you know that they are going to harm you” or “Love one another… unless you the walk all over you.” 

When we consider the length that Jesus would go to love those who he knew would betray him, we then see the Love that Jesus had for His Father.  He loved the Father so much that loved us despite our affections for Him.  May we express this kind of love to one another.