When I’ve Gone

March 17th, 2009

Jade Goody’s wedding speech shown on TV this week made emotional viewing.  What do you say when you know it’s one of the last times you’ll see the family?  You share your heart.  You express your desires for the way the family should act when you’ve gone.  And that’s what Jesus did.  

He sat down with his friends and poured out his heart.  My deep desire for you is that you love each other. The distinguishing mark is not a fish on the back of your car or a cross around your neck, but compassionately expressed brotherly love.  By this everyone will know you are my followers.  

Love does not make unkind and unhelpful comments, but speaks positive and encouraging words in a pleasant manner.  Love does not avoid or ignore, but engages and builds.  Love is not resentful, hateful or plans revenge, but patiently overlooks the failings in others and prays for those who have a go at you.  Love puts the needs of others first.  Love is generous, even extravagant!  Love doesn’t seek to control or domineer, but rather takes up the tea towel to dry the dishes when others don’t even seem to notice there’s a job to be done.  

Love means looking around the meeting this morning and considering whom I can encourage by word or deed.  Who can I get a coffee for, or plan to meet up with this week?  

In our familiarity of this passage, it is so easy to miss the profound teaching of John 13.  Facing suffering and death itself in only a few hours time, the Rabbi Master Jesus, who could so justifiably say he had enough on his mind, demonstrates his heart’s desire for his followers by taking a towel and washing his disciples’ feet, the menial action designated to a  servant.  

Keen to please our Heavenly Dad? Then let’s put his desire into action. 

David Thatcher
 

Filed under: Thought of the Week