Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. John 13:1 (NIV)
What follows is the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. That was a beautiful demonstration of the love of Christ, but John has more in mind than foot washing.
John’s account of the Last Supper leads to Gethsemane, to the arrest and trial of Jesus, and then to the cross. In all of this Christ shows us the full extent of his love.
Jesus loved in many ways, but nothing compares with his love on the cross: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
But here’s the problem: Many people who believe that Jesus died and rose do not feel that God loves them. Maybe you can identify with that. You know that Jesus suffered and died on the cross, but it is not obvious to you how this is love.
It is possible for you to see the love of Christ in the cross, and feel that this love is for you. It is possible for you to get to the place where you can look at the cross and say, “No one has ever loved me like this. No one ever will love me like this. Christ loves me, and in the cross I see the full extent of his love.”
Our Lord spoke seven times during the three hours he was hanging on the cross, and each time he spoke, he revealed the extent of his love.
Are you someone who believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus, but you’re not sure that He really loves you? Do you think it is possible for you to feel Jesus’ love for you? Why or why not?
