Friends and disciples
Day 682, Wednesday, June 24
John 13:18-15:17
In today’s passage, Jesus predicts his betrayal by Judas and his denial by Peter. Rather than showing anger or bitterness, though, his real focus is on preparing the disciples for what will come after his death.
In 14:2-3 we read verses that are often used at funerals: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
The promise that he will gather us to himself after death is reassuring. But even more reassuring is the promise that he will not leave them alone. “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
The advocate will bring both knowledge and peace. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus instructs his followers, which includes us, “A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so must you love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
By that we know that our love for one another, which is to be the distinguishing mark of the Christian fellowship, is not something that originates with us, but flows from Christ’s love. But it’s not just love that flows in one direction, from teacher to disciple or master to servant.
In 15:12-15 we see that love is mutual, as Jesus says he will no longer call his disciples servants, but friends. We are not only to be friends, but co-laborers who will go and bear fruit in his name.

Wednesday meditation

Psalms 149:1-9
Praise the Lord.
Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.
May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them—this is the glory of all his faithful people.
Praise the Lord.

Prayer focus
Thank you, Jesus, for calling us friends. May we be worthy of that honor.

-Rev. Mark Fleming