This is the Overwhelming Love of Jesus
You might be willing to suffer a lot for someone you love, but how much would you suffer for people who betrayed, denied, and hated you?
That’s the overwhelming love of Jesus.
The following words prove that Jesus knew what was coming, but they must have been confusing and upsetting for His disciples…
Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going.
John 13:33
On Sunday of Holy Week, Jesus had been greeted by cheering crowds. Monday, He challenged Jewish leaders in the Temple Courtyard. We don’t know much about Tuesday and Wednesday…
But on Thursday, as they prepared to celebrate the Passover:
- Jesus showed His overwhelming love by humbly washing the disciples’ feet.
- He sent Judas to follow through with his planned betrayal.
- He told the rest that He was going away and they couldn’t go with Him.
I can’t imagine their emotions. They must have been so disturbed by the thoughts that tumbled around in their heads.
But then, outspoken Peter asked what everyone was thinking…
“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” [Peter] asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”
John 13:37
I can relate to Peter, who spoke first and thought later. I’m good at that!
We know how much he loved the Lord and wanted to please Him. Remember, He was the first to answer the question, “But who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15)…
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:17
And Jesus promised that God had revealed this truth to Peter. It was upon faith like Peter’s that the future church would be built, and he was the leader of the Jerusalem church.
But on that night in the Upper Room, Jesus replied to Peter’s bold, outspoken claim with this word of warning…
Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.
John 13:38
This is the overwhelming love of Jesus! He knew that Judas was about to betray Him, that Peter would deny knowing Him, and the others would leave Him alone out of fear.
Imagine the heaviness weighing on the Lord’s heart. He was about to bear the burden of every sin that had been or would be committed.
He endured our guilt and shame and suffered our punishment.
Yes, He knew victory was coming, but the reality of what was about to happen had to be extremely upsetting.
Even so, our Savior’s overwhelming love was and is greater…
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13
And His love continues to transform lives every single day.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer Thanking God for the
Overwhelming Love of Jesus
Father, thank you for blessing us with Jesus’ overwhelming love and showing us the magnitude of Your mercy and grace through Him.
It’s hard to understand how He could continue to show compassion and kindness to people He knew would betray, deny, and reject Him. But when I pause to think about it, we are guilty, too.
There have always been and continue to be people who reject His sacrificial grace, mercy, and love. And we have all betrayed and denied Him with our words and actions at one time or another. Things we know about and things we don’t.
We are prideful and selfish creatures who need Your forgiveness and love. I repent. I am so sorry that I have sinned against You through my thoughts, words, and actions. I want to KNOW Your will and respond with LOVE to Your plans and purposes as You have shared them in Your Word.
By the power of Your Spirit, please give me everything I need to turn to You in obedience. Please help me live a life of worship, glorifying my Savior who gave His all for a sinner like me. And give me the courage to proclaim my love for Him always, whatever the beliefs of the people around me.
Jesus showed compassion, care, kindness, gentleness, and self-control … the Fruit of the Spirit and the extent of Your love. I praise and thank You as I pray in His holy name. Amen.
Remember, Paul wrote…
[Nothing] in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
A. W. Tozer wrote…
“Jesus Christ knows the worst about you, yet He is the one who loves you most.”
You are loved! When you’re burdened by guilt and shame, run to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. He is gracious and merciful and loves you more than you can imagine.
Rest in His all-sufficient grace and overwhelming love today, tomorrow, and always.
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Such amazing love has Jesus for all that He chose to die for sinners like you and me. May we ever remember His great sacrifice. Blessings, Deb!
Amen, Martha! God bless you this week as we celebrate our Lord’s sacrifice and all we have because of His gracious love. Blessings!
Deb, When I read what you said about being like Peter, ” Speaking first and then thinking about it later,” I thought about my daddy! Apparently, I have been very guilty of the same thing in my life. Daddy used to tell me, “Put your brain in gear before you put your mouth in motion, Susie!”
You know, Jesus is such a beautiful example of what we need to be like. I fall short! Very short! I know how I feel about being betrayed and also chastised. I really do want to be like Jesus and have that kind of love in my heart for those who have hurt me. I love them, but to have the kind of love Jesus does…. it is beyond me. I guess I can love the person but dislike their actions. Jesus sees the good in all of us. Thankfully!!!
How grateful I am that HE IS WHO HE IS!!
God bless you, my sweet and very wise friend.
You’ve shared a few of your Daddy’s quotes, Sue. He sounds like a very wise man. What a blessing to be able to carry his words of wisdom with you. I think loving the person while disliking their behavior is exactly where the Lord wants us. Blessings and hugs!