Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Mike Caton

John 13:1, It was just before the Passover Festival. 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.

It is just before the Passover, we’ve seen Jesus enter the city and the crowds praising him and putting palm branches down for him to ride over. He has predicted his death yet again. And as is typical, some have believed and some have not. The religious leaders are in a fury, looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, whom they consider a troublemaker. Jesus knows that his time is getting short, his time on this earth is drawing to a close. And Jesus knows it will be a violent and an ugly end. So, what does Jesus do?

John says he has loved his own that were in the world, and that he loves them to the end. Think about the people you love, how do you show them that love? How can you love them to the end? If you only had a few days left, maybe hours left, on earth, what would you do with that time? Is there something you need to do, that you have not done? Something you need to tell someone? Something you really enjoy that you would want to do one last time? What would you do if you knew your life on earth would end in the next 24 hours?

Who do you love the most and how would you show them? Careful, your answer to the previous questions might reveal that you love yourself the most. Jesus’ time on earth is drawing to a close. It is interesting what he does next. Maybe you know the rest of this story. Jesus chooses to again – that’s not the right word – chooses to continue to be a servant. Among Jesus’ last acts on earth? Washing the disciples’ feet.

Father, give me Jesus’ heart of a servant. In His name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

READ ABOUT COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.