Loving to the End (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 - John 13:1

Jesus loved to the end.

He did not change His mind on the Cross.

The self-giving love of Jesus outlasted the self-centered ignorance of the world.

Even at the point of His death He continued to love. He forgave the people crucifying Him. He kept His eyes on the mission and did not waver.

Evil, sin, hatred, and selfishness may seem like unchangeable constants in our world.

But the love of God in Christ is eternal.

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?

On the Cross this is what we got to see. Two seeming constants meeting head to head: the sinfulness of man coming face to face with the love of God. In the end only one could remain. Which would it be?

On the surface it appeared that sin had won. It appeared that sin had outlasted love.

But just as a seed takes an appointed period of time underground before it sprouts up through the soil, Jesus had to remain the appointed three days in the heart of the earth before rising from the tomb in glory, proving once and for all that nothing can overpower the love of God.

He did all this so that His very same Spirit of Love, which conquered sin, death, and hell, could dwell within each of us giving us that same divine ability to love to the end.

But the goal of our instruction is love

from a pure heart,

from a good conscience,

and from a sincere faith.

1 Tim 1:5