Digging Deeper: Jesus’ Gentle Invitation
Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.
John 13:3 (NLT)
JESUS’ GENTLE INVITATION
This Last Supper is so poignant to me. After three years with Jesus, Judas sits down at the Last Supper, and his heart has already been tempted towards betrayal. And this betrayal would set things into motion for Jesus’ crucifixion.
Verse two tells us Jesus knew this, and His next move is unbelievable. “So He got up from supper, laid aside His outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.” John 13:4-5
What a tender, humbling scene that must have been. With the weight of His coming events firmly on His shoulders, Jesus kneels down in love, even for one whose decisions would set into motion such incredible pain and suffering. I can’t help but wonder: Did he linger longer with Judas, wishing he would confess, repent, and turn from the temptation? How was He able to love Judas?
Verse three explains it all. “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.” Jesus was surrendered to His Father’s plan. He knew the call on His life was to glorify His Father, who would faithfully equip Him for all He was sent to do. But He also knew who He was, where He had come from, and where He was going.
What about us and those painful areas of our life? Or those hurtful people? What about the situations you poured your heart into that didn’t work out how you thought they would? Jesus is showing us what it looks like to lay down the painful parts of our story at the feet of the Father so our hands can be free to wash feet.
He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.
This hard, beautiful work allows us to love best by surrendering most. What a beautiful invitation out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jesus, help us not to miss all You’re inviting us into simply because it’s dressed in hard circumstances!
Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins. She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.