John 13:31; So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.

Transcription

1 Introduction Jesus must leave. The disciples must love. One (Peter) will experience a test of loyalty. Jesus will die soon. Four great themes loom large (13:31-14:31); as Jesus speaks His final words to His disciples; there is another commandment; another coming; another commission; and another comforter. Finding Glory In Jesus Death (vv.31-38) John 13:31; So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. So, when he had gone out that is when Judas left. The betrayer is gone. There is a huge sigh of relief. The tone changes, there is a shift in mood and momentum. It s as if a great burden is lifted from the shoulders of Jesus. Both verbs are in the past tense; Judas had gone out; but the text also says the Son of Man has been glorified; the glorification is near, so near, so sure, so certain, it s as if it has already taken place. In a sense it was accomplished in purpose, but soon it would be accomplished in reality. In one sense Jesus exposed and expelled Judas. In another sense Judas left; voluntarily; intent on his own evil act of betrayal. It becomes a type and a picture of the unrepentant; the unbeliever s journey to hell; God does not make people go to hell; they make themselves go to hell; in a very real sense God endorses the decision that people make for or against Christ. The departure of Judas marked a turning point; a purging; a cleansing; the evil one is gone for a season; when Judas left, so did Satan. The departure of Judas also brings with it the final lap that Jesus must run; His own departure; His own passion; His own death. Jesus never speaks of His death as a tragedy or crime or punishment or disgrace or humiliation. Jesus speaks of His death as the one event that would most glorify both Himself and God the Father. When we see the cross through the lens of broken humanity or fallen flesh, we see something tragic, sickening, ugly, we see what the ancient Romans saw; a death so horrific that even the worst crimes a Roman citizen could commit would never be met with such a death. But viewed through the lens of faith, viewed through the heart of a believer we see hope and glory; the instrument of forgiveness; Paul said, God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world (Gal.6:14). What does the word glory mean? In Greek culture the word was used to describe or express those values of vital importance; it came to mean weight, or substance; the focus of attention was 1

2 on the opinion of others--it expressed the opinion or value placed on one person s attitudes or actions; by another group of people. In the context of the Hebrew people; glory spoke of God s self-revelation; of how God revealed or spoke concerning Himself; in God s self-revelation we see a God who appears as light, fire, blazing splendor; flaming holiness. But neither raw power or blazing fire adequately expresses God; there is a sense in which God s holy character is revealed in conjunction with His loving character. When Moses begged God to show him his glory; the Bible says; The Lord said, I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD (YHWH), in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But, he said, You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live (Gen. 33:19-20). Jesus is the Son of Man. The glory of Jesus was the cross. Jesus is on a mission. That mission is to secure an eternal righteousness for human beings. Jesus is on a mission to secure forgiveness of sins; reconciliation with the Father; and eternal life for sinful human beings. Jesus is now ready to secure His mission; to engage; to deploy; to confront the enemy. Adam and Eve forfeited their glory through rebellion and disobedience to God. The second Man Christ; took on human flesh to regain that which was lost in man s fall; but also to secure an eternal inheritance for those who would believe in Him, and trust Him. John uses the expression or title Son of Man some twelve times in this gospel. The first time was in Christ s conversation with Nathanael. Now John uses it for the last time. I wonder if the title sparked a memory in Nathanael s mind as Jesus uses the title again. In a very real sense; Jesus was about to return to glory. The road was dark; and the cross was the instrument that would send Christ home. But there is more; the cross would vanquish sin and Satan; already the Son was glorified; and God was glorified by Christ s sinless life; and His perfect obedience to the Father in all things. The statement of glory--points to a timeless goal. In Jesus we have a far better understanding of God s actions and God s works; we discover and are amazed at the splendor of the Lord. The glory of God is revealed in the incarnation and crucifixion of Jesus. In Jesus we see God s glory; yet for the unbeliever; for the religious leaders; they saw a man, a carpenter from Galilee; a Rabbi; a man, an extraordinary man; but they did not see God unveiled. Following Love In Jesus Death (vv.33-35) John 13:33; Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, Where I am going, you cannot come, so now I say to you. The coming crisis would not only effect Jesus; it would effect everyone in His life. Jesus knew about the fear, and the despair, and the agony of loss. 2

3 Jesus calls the disciples little children. The words carry the idea of relationship; deep affection; but also immaturity. Notice also Jesus doesn t use the term little children until after Judas is gone--and only here!! The sinking feeling that began to fill the disciple s hearts was abandonment. Jesus had already told the religious leaders they would seek Him, and not find Him (7:34); but now Jesus tells His own disciples that the Via Dolorosa must be walked alone. I want to draw attention to the fact that Jesus uses the term; and as I said to the Jews; to my knowledge this is the only time that Jesus uses that expression. He used it when speaking to the Samaritan woman in John 4:22; and in speaking with Caiphas and Pilate; but this is the only place He uses the Jews when speaking to His faithful disciples. Jesus reminds them they are nearing the moment when they would briefly go their own ways; Jesus to Calvary and then to the grave; and they would remain; pilgrims, and strangers in a strange land. Jesus is doing all He can to prepare them for the shock; the arrest, the trial, the nails, the disciples would be amazed, confounded, troubled, devastated. John 13:34; A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. In the first 12 chapters of John s Gospel the word love is used 12 times! In John chapters we will find the word some 44 times! It is the key word and the key concept as the Savior says; Goodbye. How is this a new commandment? The word new does not mean new in time but rather new in experience; we use the word fresh ; it is the opposite of the word worn out. Clearly the Law commanded and demanded You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Lev.19:18). Now Jesus commands you shall love each other even as I have loved you. Jesus sets a new and higher standard. Jesus insists on a new measure. The love believers have for one another are enforced--with new motives and new obligations; illustrated with a new example. Love would take on a new meaning and power because of the death of Christ on the cross (John 15:13). With the coming of the Holy Spirit, love would have new power in their lives (TBEC; Warren Wiersbe Vol.1; John p.349). In John 15:13 Jesus said; Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends but Jesus will lay down His life for His enemies! 1 John 4:7; Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (v.8) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (v.9) 3

4 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. John 13:35; By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. We sometimes forget the context of the commandment; Jesus is about to die. He will die. The death of Jesus requires a new commandment. The new commandment is the hallmark; the thing that authenticates and validates the identity of the disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Francis Shaeffer wrote a highly influential little book called The Mark of A Christian. In it he said that the thing that sets the believer apart from the unbeliever is not bumper stickers or fish symbols, or doves or crosses; these are only symbols of our faith; the true mark of the Christian is love. Arthur Pink said; Love is the badge of Christian discipleship. It is not knowledge, or orthodoxy, nor fleshly activities, but (supremely) love which identifies a follower of Jesus. As the disciples of the Pharisees were known by their phylacteries, as disciples of John were known by their baptism, and every school by its particular shibboleth, so the mark of a true Christian is love; and that genuine, active love, not in words but in deeds (see Exposition of John; vol. 1; p.341). How do we give evidence of that love? Don t you think it must mean a willingness to do what Jesus did? A willingness to lay down your life for the brethren (I John 3:16); a willingness to live in humility, in holiness, in service to one another? How is it possible to misinterpret and misapply this verse? If love for one another is the singular glorious characteristic; the Deity s designer label; and if they did not love each other--then you know you are dealing with a cheap Christian knock-off. How do we measure discipleship? Do we measure it by church attendance, by repeating a creed, by having religious speech or involvement in religious activity? Why didn t Jesus say; Men will know you are my disciples by your belief in miracles, by your ability to memorize and repeat Scriptures; by your gifts; by your talents; by your intellectual skills, by your commitment to Biblical orthodoxy; by your theological training? The Apostle John would later write; If a man say, I love God and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother who he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? (1 John 4:20). The person who is angry all the time, fighting all the time, upset all the time; the person who is filled with lust and greed and envy and malice and darkness surely cannot be a lover of Jesus! It is foolish to talk about regeneration, justification, sanctification, election, predestination, and refuse to demonstrate simple, practical Christian love. The word Jesus uses in verse 35 is agape. Of the Greeks four words for love, this one is the capstone. Essentially, it means to seek the highest good of another. This type of love refuses to respond negatively, refuses to reject, refuses to demand conditions, and refuses to nitpick the lint 4

5 of someone s soul. When Jesus says, as I have love you, He sets Himself up as the standard by which they are to forever measure their love for one another. He is telling them, I left the splendors and comforts of heaven because I loved you. I called you to be Mine, knowing full well your faults. I taught you, even when you were stubborn and close-minded. I corrected you when you stepped out of line. I washed your feet on the way to my death. All this was for your highest good. My interest was not in Myselfe, but in you (Chuck Swindoll; Insight For Living Bible Study; John 6-14; pamphlet; p.88; who quotes C.S. Lewis; The Four Loves; p.170). Failing Loyalty In Jesus Death (vv.36-38) John 13:36; Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, where are You going? Jesus answered him, Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward. Peter asks where Jesus is going; but I suspect Peter was not simply interested in the directions; it was not simply in Jesus leaving; but in his being left behind! Jesus reminds Peter that he will one day follow Jesus in the same direction. According to church tradition Peter would also be killed on a Roman cross. Church traditions place Peter dying in Rome upside down. The Cross Peter, the Cross--that s where I am going. Peter s cross would be for another time. The journey of Jesus to the cross will not only change the direction of human history; it will provide the mechanism for change in the human heart. John 13:37; Peter said to Him, Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake. Peter announces he will be a hero. But Peter will become a casualty. John 13:38; Jesus answered him, Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times. Peter thought he had calculated the risk; counted the cost; knew the perils. Hey I know what s at stake here! How are we to interpret the prophecy of Jesus? The expression you have denied Me comes from the simple Greek verb arneomai; but is used often interchangeably with another Greek verb aparneomai. The word carries the idea of abandon or disown. Jesus knows Peter will deny (disown) him. Jesus knows Peter will play the coward and forsake Him. Jesus knows and does not denounce him and cast him out; Jesus knows he will curse and cry...peter was anxious to uncover another sinner; the betrayer (v.24); but was quite reluctant to deal with his own betrayal. Is that you? 5

6 Jesus told Peter along with the other disciples that their responsibility was to love one another; as Christ loved them. Their Master would be taken from them. Their spokesman would fail them. In fact all of them would fail the Lord. What would bring them back together? Authentic love. Conclusion Are you tender and compassionate towards those who are weak in the faith? How do you treat people who live inconsistent and careless lives? Authentic love is unconditional in its expression. Unconditional love has become a catch phrase in Christian Culture. Remember the love Jesus describes and demands is a willingness to do what is in the best interest of both God s character and the person loved. There are no if s attached to authentic love; I will love this person if they do this or that. Authentic love does not threaten...yet authentic love does communicate the consequences to those who make life-style choices, or even sinful choices; for those who freely choose to reject God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Authentic love makes only those demands that love demands; some believe love makes no demands! I find that hard to believe. God makes demands. God insists that we love Him, and obey Him; that we shut idols and embrace Him. God demands love and loyalty. Perhaps we should say God commands; that is He desires love and loyalty; but He doesn t force the relationship; He doesn t use raw power and supernatural manipulation. It is friendship and relationship by consent. Do you love your wife, your husband, your children, your friends, your Christian family; or do you withhold your love, ration your love; based on their ability to live up to your standards and your expectations? Do they feel loved? Do they constantly try to gain your acceptance? Authentic love is unselfish in its motive. 1 Corinthians 13:4; Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 1 Corinthians 13:5; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; Love refuses to manipulate to get its way. How about you? When you show love to someone else; is it weighed in the balance of reciprocity? What will I get? True love gives--with no thought of getting anything in return. Authentic love is unlimited in its benefits. 6

7 Authentic love; unselfish love; always brings benefits. Others will be built up and encouraged. Of course when you love this way, you become vulnerable. But if you are unwilling to take the risk; you will never be able to grasp the fruit the grows from loves limbs. C.S. Lewis wrote; To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your own selfishness. But in that casket-- safe, dark, motionless, airless---it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. Jesus was going to the Cross. Jesus was going to the World. I love the story that tells of Jesus resurrection and return to heaven. Jesus talked with the angel Gabriel about His work on earth; and Gabriel asked what provision Jesus had to spread the gospel to the world. Jesus said; I told it to Peter, James, John and a number of other faithful followers, disciples. The plan is that they shall tell it to their generation; and that generation will tell it to the next generation and so on until the end. Gabriel asked, But suppose the disciples fail to tell it to their generation; or suppose some generation should fail; what other plan do you have? Jesus replied, I have no other plan. The way Jesus reveals Himself to this world is through the lips and lives of His disciples (See Roy Laurin; p.168). Jesus was going to the Human Heart. 7