The Extent of His Love (blog)
Jesus never rushed things, not even on the night in which He was betrayed."I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer," Jesus told his disciples at the Last Supper (Luke 22:15). They gathered around him at the table in the upper room.He took hold of a loaf of bread, broke it and gave it to the disciples, saying that it was his body given for them. Then he shared the cup of wine with each of them, saying that it was his "blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:28)Jesus wanted to show his disciples the "full extent of his love" for them (John 13:1).He got up from the table and began washing their feet. Now I imagine that he could have washed the feet of just one disciple and still made a real statement. But Jesus took the time and care to wash all of the disciples' feet. It was personal and deeply meaningful. Jesus was saying, 'I give my life for you John, I give my life for you Peter, I give my life for you Andrew...' They would never forget what Jesus had done for them that night.He told them to do the same for each other."A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-5)Jesus talked with them late into the night, instructing and comforting them. He prayed for them. Jesus gave his last hours to them.The next day Jesus showed them, and the world, the full extent of His love when he gave his life for the sins of all people on The Cross. He was "pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)I imagine it wasn't until Jesus rose again to life, on the third day, that his disciples fully comprehended the extent of their Lord's love for them. They now had the promise of forgiveness and eternal life! Jesus' life had been all for them, and for you and for me.