Fields United Methodist Church

Day 16:  Take Time to Be Holy

April 9, 2020

“Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”  John 13:1

Read: John 13

Imagine a person whose love was so deep that it was shared even with those who would leave the person for dead, even hanging on a cross. Imagine a person whose love forgave even those who drove nails into his body.  This is the love, divine love, that is offered to you today. Holy Thursday of Holy Week marks the time when Jesus was betrayed and condemned to death. Being the Son of God, Jesus knew what going to happen to him in a few short hours yet stooped before his disciples, one that would betray him and the rest who would desert him, and offered them grace. As Jesus humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples, he offered an example to them and us on how to live our lives, even and especially in the shadow of the cross. Jesus offered a “new commandment” which was really not new but needed to be visited again for the first time, “that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) So, what if we did just that; what if we loved one another, even those who hate us, as Jesus loves us? What if those we disagree with we love as Jesus loved?  You are a recipient of such a love, a love that never ends, that acts for your benefit, whoever you are. The Jesus love that is shared with you is not an emotion, it is a lifestyle to be celebrated and most importantly shared.  You are loved by Jesus “to the end,” and this end is only the beginning, a new beginning and an opportunity to live again.

How are you sharing the love of Jesus in your daily life?

You do you need to share the love of Jesus with today?

How are you taking time to be holy today?

Prayer:  God, we do not understand the love we have received from you but know that it is good. Help us to live in such a way that shares your amazing love to everyone, no matter who they are. May we be the example and witness to somebody that needs you and the love and grace you share today. Amen