John 13:18-20
“I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah. I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”
Knowledge can be a heavy burden. Imagine what it was like for Jesus to know what Judas was about to do as he sat there with the other disciples. Imagine what it must have felt like to wash the feet of the one who was going to betray you. Jesus knew all things, including what was in the hearts of his disciples, the Pharisees who often criticized him, the crowds who came to watch and listen, and the Romans soldiers who put him to death. Jesus knew all these things and could see into his own future, and yet He continued to walk steadfastly toward the cross.
Jesus also knew how the other disciples would run and hide when He was arrested and how they would be filled with fear and grief when He died. He knew how their faith would be rekindled in an extraordinary new way after the resurrection. He knew they would be the ones to carry his message in the power of the Spirit out into the world, from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). He knew that many more would become believers through their message and that the church would grow and expand all around the world. He also knew that others would reject the message of salvation, in the same way that many people had rejected Jesus himself.
Now, we are the messengers who carry the Good News of Jesus to people around us. Jesus knew about us too, and his words apply to our lives and our ministry just as much as they applied to the disciples gathered around Jesus in the upper room that night. We share Jesus’ love and message. That’s our mission, and it’s how we produce good fruit for God’s glory. When people welcome us and the message we share, they welcome Jesus, and we rejoice to witness them come to faith in the Savior. It might be your children or grandchildren. It could be friends or neighbors. Sometimes it’s people who wander into the church or who find us online, and they too may come to Jesus through our message. That night 2,000 years ago, after Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and began teaching them one last time before walking to the cross, our Lord knew that we would welcome his message and turn to share it with others. He also knew all those our church would reach with the good news of salvation.
Thank You, Jesus, for sending Your message of salvation into my heart and for calling me to share Your love and message with others. Give me courage to tell Your story. I pray that those who hear would have hearts ready to respond in faith. I ask this in Your name and for Your glory. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
