ODJ: The Last Stop

April 17, 2016 

READ: John 13:1-38 

He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end (v.1)

My friend says our lives are like trains. We make various “stops” for school, college, job, marriage, and family. At each stop we spend time with others who have stepped off. When we graduate or change jobs, we say goodbye to the people at that junction and step back onto the train. Only a handful of people stay with us all the way to the end. These are the most important people in our lives, the people who receive most of our time and attention.

I thought of this as I attended my cousin’s funeral. He was a godly man, and his funeral was attended by more than 200 people. This gathering of family, friends, church members, and neighbors represented the significance of his life. It made me think, Look who is with you at the end, and you’ll see what your life meant.

Almost, that is. If that were the only criterion, then Jesus’ life could seem unsatisfactory. Consider who He invited to His Last Supper. A last meal is for those who mean the most, those who stuck with you till the very last stop. Jesus’ guest list included only a handful of people, yet one would deny Him and another would betray Him. No matter. Jesus “had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end” (John 13:1). He noticed their feet were dirty from the dusty streets, so he knelt beside each disciple—including Peter and Judas—and washed and dried their feet. When Peter asked why He was performing the work of a slave, Jesus said He must cleanse everyone who belonged to Him (vv.6—8).

Consider who will ride with you to the end. Love and serve them well. And know that our faithful God will be with you to the last stop and for all eternity.

—Mike Wittmer

365-day-plan: 1 Kings 12:1-24