John 13:21-38: Glory, Part II – Disappointment
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
We continue to explore the mystery of Christ’s power found in humility, his love encountered in emptiness, and his leadership seen in his service. John, The Beloved Apostle, faithfully recorded Jesus’ last words and actions for his loyal and frightened followers. John leaves this recording for us that we might discover Christ’s presence among us today, Christ’s glory that lives with us still . . . even after two millennia.
Today’s lesson on Glory: We often find Jesus in the disappointments, in the betrayals, in the denials, and in the rejections, we experience in life.
To each disappointment, Jesus says: Like you, I have been betrayed. My beloved apostle John records these words for you. Consider them today and decide to give me your pain and sorrow.
Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me . . . What you are going to do, do quickly”.
When Jesus is betrayed he decides to love his enemy into goodness. Judas’ betrayal ends in his suicide (Matthew 27:5). Today we consider the possibility of redemption God offers Judas.
To Peter’s denial of him, Jesus says: Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.
When Jesus is denied he replies with mercy and compassion. Peter’s denial is later followed by an opportunity for redemption (John 21). Today we consider the contrast between these two apostles, Judas and Peter, and look for our own behavior to their reactions of despair and hope. We look for our own experience of Jesus’ glorious forgiveness and healing.
In today’s Noontime we hear Jesus say to us, his disciples: I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. These words are so true and they remind us that all disappointment can be healed by Christ.
When we find the place where Christ speaks and we consider if we respond to Christ with hope or despair, we can also pray,
Loving God, forgive us our denials and betrayals of your goodness. Hear our requests for healing transformation. Make your home in us. Bring us hope against despair. Hear our petitions and transform our neediness into generous love. You promised us your hope. Send it to us today and all days as we come to you with our brokenness, and as we ask for our conversion. We ask this in your name. Amen.
Find time today to write out Jesus’ words on a slip of paper and use it as a bookmark that you will encounter often. Before bedtime today, give over an act of betrayal or denial to Christ and ask for transformation in God’s glory.
Tomorrow, discovering God’s glory in our fears.
Images from: https://snyderssoapbox.com/tag/30-pieces-of-silver/ and https://collections.artsmia.org/art/1886/the-denial-of-st-peter-gerrit-van-honthorst
The Noontimes 