Would you like to know how Jesus demonstrated the “full extent of his love?”
It might surprise you to find that this phrase is NOT used in the bible to describe his going to the cross to die for us.
It was used before he died. I’m not saying that the cross wasn’t the ultimate love gift. I just found it interesting to see this phrase where I did, in John 13:2…
Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
And then he washed their feet.
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him
The full extent of his love – was that he washed their feet.
As I’m working through this series on “relationships”, it seems to me that our goal is to learn to love. And to love like Jesus loved is the ultimate. So if HIS ultimate love gift – the full extent – was to wash his disciples feet, then there is our answer. We serve those that we love and show them the full extent of our love and badaboom, badabing we have better relationships.
As a matter of fact, Jesus goes on to command us to do so.
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
I know that you’d like for me or Jesus or someone - to tell your spouse, or your parent, or kid, or whomever – to serve you. To tell them how they could be better in your relationship. But interestingly, Jesus never does that. He only talks to us. And he has one word for you.
Serve.
That is the “full extent.”
We had over 5000 last week which means we ran way out of parking. So we’ve decided that we even need to shuttle park on Saturday if you can. But definitely on Sunday. We need your spot for some new person to park in. Just keep driving east on Orland Parkway and you won’t miss it. Horton Insurance building.
And don’t forget we have Leadership Community on Sunday night at 5. If you are involved around here in any way – you won’t want to miss this. There will be time together as a large group and time in huddles with your ministry. Please join us.
Looking forward to what God does this weekend.
Tim
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