“The winter prepares the earth for the spring—so do afflictions sanctified prepare the soul for glory.”
Richard Sibbes
The Gospel of John, the Fourth Gospel is often divided into two “books.” The first book is called the Book of Signs and refers to chapters one through twelve. The second book is called the Book of Exaltation and refers to chapters thirteen through the end of the gospel. The precious Farewell Discourse is found in chapters thirteen through the end of seventeen. The Book of Exaltation begins with the love of Jesus, “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1, ESV) One scholar notes: “Jesus loved this believing remnant to the end—he loved them completely and to the utmost extent by giving his life for them as the Good Shepherd (cf. John 10). And it is this believing remnant, the new messianic community, whom Jesus prepares in John 13–17, the so-called Farewell Discourse, prior to his departure on the eve of the crucifixion.” [Andreas J. Kostenberger, Signs of the Messiah, 139.]
Jesus loved them to the end. His marvelous love is noteworthy in its manner, extent, and duration. The manner of his love? Otherworldly! When others, in light of the suffering that is coming, would be focused on themselves, Jesus spends an extended amount of time preparing them for his departure and for their sorrow and hardship. The Bible also tells us that it was this otherworldly loved that even brought us to salvation: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” [1 John 3:1a, NKJV] Please note also the extent and the duration of his love. While the phrase, “to the end,” in this context, most immediately means “all the way through Jesus’ coming passion,” it also comprises all of Jesus’ ministry. This includes his continuing role as Lord, Advocate, and Intercessor. It is all done in love. Today, if you have any doubts or uncertainties about your Lord’s love for you, please read and reread the Farewell Discourse and understand every verse spoken to the twelve disciples belongs to you as well. Have a blessed week and we will see many of you this Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
