Faith without religion.
Lessons of Service, Betrayal, and Love
In a reflective teaching from October 26, 2014, the focus is on the profound lessons from John 13:18-35, where Jesus imparts crucial teachings to His disciples. The narrative begins with Jesus emphasizing the importance of serving others, as He demonstrated by washing the disciples’ feet. He underscores that true happiness comes from knowing and doing these acts of service.
The teaching then shifts to the somber moment of Judas’ betrayal. Despite the sadness of the story, it serves as a stark contrast to Jesus’ message of selfless service. Judas’ actions highlight the futility of self-service, which ultimately leads to despair.
As the narrative progresses, Jesus reveals His impending betrayal to the disciples, emphasizing His identity as the Messiah. This revelation is not just about foretelling events but about affirming His divine mission and identity.
The teaching culminates in Jesus giving a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved them. This commandment is not entirely new, as it echoes the call to love found in Leviticus, but it is now the defining mark of His disciples. Love, as demonstrated by Jesus, becomes the distinguishing feature of true followers, transcending outward observances and rituals.
The teaching concludes with a powerful reminder that love is the essence of the Christian faith. It is through love that believers are known and through which they fulfill the law of Christ. This message of love, both towards fellow believers and all people, is reiterated by the apostles in their writings, underscoring its centrality in the Christian life.
