John 13:1
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
In love songs and romcom movies, we hear people pledge love until their dying day. At the altar, they vow to love and keep each other for as long as they both shall live. The success of this love depends on long term commitment, so rare in today’s marriages. According to Forbes, 73% of third marriages end in divorce, which perfectly illustrates a commitment crisis in America. God pledged his love for the world in John 3:16. In John 13:1, Jesus loved his own to the end. When he walked out that door, having proven his love by washing their feet, he proved his commitment by hanging on a cross to the end. His commitment to love had just begun.
He rose and is with us to the end of the age. The trust we have in our elected officials and even our church leaders is eroding as we find that their commitment, while stalwart for decades, declines in the end. The commitment Jesus showed in the beginning has continued as we reach the end of the age. He walks with us and has sent the Holy Spirit to keep us committed to him by convicting us of sin. When we begin to stumble, he loves us and guides us to the end. May we commit our lives, long term, to him, for the long term result of eternal life.
O Heavenly Father, thank you for the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your commitment to us. May we love you to the end. In Jesus’ name. Amen.