November 5, 2020 -- John 13:12 -- Contend for faithful understanding

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?”

John 13:12 English Standard Version

The answer is “no”! No, the disciples did not understand what Jesus had done for them nor would they understand what He was about to do—to be traded for 30 pieces of silver—the price of a slave. He was abandoned by disciples who’d walked with Him for three years, who had watched the miracles, listened to the teaching and heard of the glory yet to be. Jesus faced His crucifixion knowing His closest followers had no idea what He was doing. It was so then, and it is so today.

Do you understand what Jesus has done for you? Your sins have been punished on His Person at the cross. You don’t have to carry them anymore. Even as Jesus’ first followers failed Him and abandoned Him so you too know you have not been faithful to Jesus. The more you tried to more you can see how weak and intermittent is your obedience. Do you understand Jesus gave Himself for you because He knew your obedience and your life would never measure up?

Jesus has resumed His place—He is seated at the right hand of the Father. At this place Jesus speaks for you, prays for you. The Father and the Son have poured out the Spirit so that you can read the Bible and understand and believe and believing have a relationship with God—a relationship freed from the nagging fears that perhaps you are not enough.

Understand this: Jesus has paid it all. Your sins are forgiven. The hold of the darkness has been broken by the Light of Jesus’ presence and grace. Because of Jesus work at the cross, His victory over death and the grave the Father now rejoices over you with singing! Spend time thinking about Jesus. Read the Bible and consider all He has done for you. Realize the Mighty One of Heaven knows you by name and has reconciled you to Himself by the accomplished work of Jesus and He is guarding you in this delicious freedom and wonderful new life through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit Who lives in you.

Father in heaven—we confess we do not understand what Jesus has done for us. We have an inkling and a small taste of it and then our doubts can rush in to overwhelm us. Thank You, Spirit of God, for the fact that You are God. You are greater than our fears and doubts. You delight to teach of Jesus’ accomplished work so that we know intellectually and receive into our hearts a deep-rooted conviction that Jesus is the One Sacrifice Who has made us right with our Father in heaven. Triune God blessed are You! Great and glorious is the song of salvation that stretches from Eden to the New Jerusalem! Amen.