November 10: Luke 22, John 13

November 10, Luke 22, John 13

Luke & John continued…

Luke 22 The Plot to Kill Jesus. Jesus had just got finished teaching about being prepared for His return and living out lives in light of that. Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders were gathered with Caiaphas, the high priest. We know him to be rude and crude. They were literally plotting how to arrest and kill Jesus. They were too afraid of the people, as many liked Him, so they chose not to do it during the feast. Sometimes the feasts got rowdy and they didn’t want to have an uproar. Picture this scene… they were literally premeditating the murder of Jesus!

Judas to Betray Jesus. Luke writes this account with more detail than the other Gospels… “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.” We find out more details later about this, but at a certain point Satan took over Judas - who was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Judas went to the chief priests and officers to plan how he could get Jesus to them. “So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.” Again, the premeditated plot continues…

The Passover with the Disciples. It was time to celebrate what God had done, many years before, for the Israelites getting them out of Egypt - the Passover. Where were they to celebrate it? Jesus had it all lined up for them and told His disciples (Peter & John) to go into town and a certain man would help them. Luke tells us that they are to look for a man carrying water. From Bakers Commentary, “Jesus instructs them to follow this man into whatever house he enters, and then to bring Christ’s message to the master or owner of that house: and say to him, The Teacher says, My time is near; at your house I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples. It was the rule in Israel that if anyone at this time had space available it must be given free of charge to whatever family or group wished to make sacred use of it. Besides, this particular person, the owner of the house, may well have been one of Christ’s followers, who accordingly would be glad to accommodate the Master and his disciples.” That insight helps us understand the Sovereignty of God! Just as Jesus said, it was so. Now it is evening and they are all reclining at the table celebrating Passover. Jesus told them what was about to happen.

Institution of the Lord’s Supper. They are still reclining at the table and Jesus basically instituted what they were to do after He was gone - The Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist. “Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” Allow me for a quick rant… This is where Christ followers and Catholics differ. Just so you know, Catholics will not allow Christians to partake in their communions. “According to the Code of Canon Law, receiving communion in a Protestant church is generally not permissible. According to canon 844, “Catholic ministers may licitly administer the sacraments to Catholic members of the Christian faithful only and, likewise, the latter may licitly receive the sacraments only from Catholic ministers.” The key term here is licit. If a Catholic receives communion from a Protestant minister, it is generally considered “illicit” or unlawful.” See more here. According to Catholics, “The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. In the Holy Eucharist, under the appearances of bread and wine, the Lord Christ is contained, offered, and received. The whole Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist.” I do not agree that Jesus is in the bread or the wine, but that it is symbolic and representing what Christ did for us. They also believe that Jesus was basically re-crucified each time you take communion. He sacrificed Himself once for us and God accepted His sacrifice and raised Him from death. This is part of our faith and we are to anticipate His return and remember what He did for us. 

Back to it! All 4 Gospels record the ‘breaking of the bread’ and this shows the importance of the bread. Not pizza. Not steak. Not donuts. Bread. That is what we are to do. Also, Jesus used wine. Not grape juice or beer or milk. Wine. This is highly symbolic. Again, from Bakers Commentary, “In all four accounts a relation is established between Christ’s blood and his covenant. As reported by Matthew and Mark, Jesus said, “my blood of the covenant.” The expression goes back to Exod. 24:8. See also the significant passage Lev. 17:11. And note: “Apart from the shedding of blood there is no remission” (Heb. 9:22; cf. Eph. 1:7); therefore also no covenant, no special relation of friendship between God and his people. Reconciliation with God always requires blood, an atoning sacrifice. And since man himself is unable to render such a sacrifice, a substitutionary offering, accepted by faith, is required (Isa. 53:6, 8, 10, 12; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 3:16; 6:51; Rom. 4:19; 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:20, 21; Gal. 2:20; 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24). Thus the covenant comes into being. Scripture refers again and again to God’s covenant with his people. The Lord established it with Abraham (Gen. 17:7; Ps. 105:9); hence, also with all who share Abraham’s faith (Gal. 3:7, 29).”

Who is the Greatest? The disciples are still arguing over which one of them was the greatest… kids! With kindness and gentleness, Jesus spoke to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” He who serves the others is greater. Leave the egos at the door - there is no room for egos when you love Jesus. Jesus set that example for us - He was always serving others and that is what we are to do. Jesus then adds, “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” The Heavenly Banquet is what Jesus is talking about and the disciples will have places of honor with Christ. Jesus praised His disciples for staying by His side and they will be blessed for it. 

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial. Luke writes this section very well. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus knew what was coming and Jesus was praying for Peter and for his faith. He knew he would fail, but what Jesus wanted, was that when Peter got back on his feet, he would build up the other disciples (which he does). Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Peter had convictions and his convictions were tried that very night. 11 of them loved Jesus and this was going to grow their faith. Just because they failed doesn't mean that the are not saved. There is some discrepancies with the gospels on how many times the rooster crowed. The point is - a rooster (typically) crows before dawn, which is when these events for them will take place. Again, Jesus the Prophet!

Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus did not take the easy road. He was intentional in all He did. He also made sure that and knew that Scripture was to be fulfilled in Him. Jesus reminds them that when He had sent them out to go do ministry, they brought nothing with them. And they all agreed that their needs were met. Jesus is preparing them for when He dies and resurrects and then will no longer be on earth physically with them. They will be full time missionaries and will need to get provisions. I believe that when Jesus tells them to get a sword, He is using it figuratively. Jesus was never a proponent of violence (as we see when Peter cut off the guys ear, Jesus tells him to stop and heals the guy). “And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” He is not saying that 2 swords is enough, but like a father to His kids - that’s enough. Jesus was in the process of fulfilling Scripture and that is imperative for Him. From Isaiah 53, and well worth the read. All of this was to be fulfilled in Christ Jesus and was fulfilled:

“Who has believed what he has heard from us? 

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 

2  For he grew up before him like a young plant, 

and like a root out of dry ground; 

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, 

and no beauty that we should desire him. 

3  He was despised and rejected by men; 

a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; 

and as one from whom men hide their faces 

he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

4  Surely he has borne our griefs 

and carried our sorrows; 

yet we esteemed him stricken, 

smitten by God, and afflicted. 

5  But he was pierced for our transgressions; 

he was crushed for our iniquities; 

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, 

and with his wounds we are healed. 

6  All we like sheep have gone astray; 

we have turned—every one—to his own way; 

and the Lord has laid on him 

the iniquity of us all. 

7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, 

yet he opened not his mouth; 

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, 

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, 

so he opened not his mouth. 

8  By oppression and judgment he was taken away; 

and as for his generation, who considered 

that he was cut off out of the land of the living, 

stricken for the transgression of my people? 

9  And they made his grave with the wicked 

and with a rich man in his death, 

although he had done no violence, 

and there was no deceit in his mouth. 

10  Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; 

he has put him to grief; 

when his soul makes an offering for guilt, 

he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; 

the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 

11  Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; 

by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, 

make many to be accounted righteous, 

and he shall bear their iniquities. 

12  Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, 

and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, 

because he poured out his soul to death 

and was numbered with the transgressors; 

yet he bore the sin of many, 

and makes intercession for the transgressors.”

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane/Mount of Olives. Gethsemane was a garden of sorts. From Bakers, “Out of the eastern gate, located north of the temple, Jesus and his disciples proceed along the road that crosses the winter brook Kedron (see N.T.C. on John 18:1). They continue to a point near the place where this road divides into three branches, each leading to the Mount of Olives. Somewhere near this fork was a grove called Gethsemane, in all probability meaning “oil-press.” It must have been a secluded spot, fenced in and containing some olive trees and perhaps a grotto used in the fall of the year for an olive oil-press. Was the owner of the grove a follower of Jesus? That would almost seem so, for Jesus went there often with his disciples (John 18:2). It was therefore a quiet place, a place to teach, pray, rest, and sleep.” I hope that is helpful in painting a picture… Jesus took with him Peter, James & John to go and isolate and pray. Jesus was full of sorrow because He knew what was coming up and how it was going to play out. No doubt you would be full of sorrow if you knew what was coming… He was going to be betrayed, abandoned by your friends, beaten, mocked and killed for sins He didn't commit. Ben H. Price wrote a poem about this:

It was alone the Savior prayed

In dark Gethsemane;

Alone he drained the bitter cup

And suffered there for me.

Alone, alone, He bore it all alone;

He gave himself to save his own,

He suffered, bled, and died alone, alone.

Jesus told the 3, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” That is not Jesus being dramatic or anything of the sort. He was not one to exaggerate. He was taking on the curse of man. He went and prayed to God, after telling His 3 to stay with Him and watch with Him. In deep awe and reverence Jesus comes before God Almighty and prays, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus wanted whatever God wanted, no matter how horrible it would be. Jesus was sinless and had to take on the nasty sins of man - men like me. “And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Peter and the boys were sleepy. They wanted to do right but they were weak. This same thing happened 2 more times. He would go pray and then come back to find them sleeping. He is full of sorrow and they were full of sleep. Jesus was referring to their human nature and proclivities. That is what is meant by flesh (not skin…). After getting His prayer time in and praying the same prayer, “Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” The time has come. This is the moments that Jesus was born for - and also what was causing his distress. “And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” God sent Jesus an angel to strengthen Him. Just think about that… From Bakers Commentary and some amazing insight, “In connection with Christ’s sweat becoming like thick drops of blood, it is natural that Luke as a physician would inquire into and record this occurrence of hematidrosis. It took place while Jesus, suffering intensely, was engaged in fervent prayer. It must be borne in mind that the human nature of Jesus was sinless, and therefore very sensitive. When these factors—extreme anguish, earnest supplication, unparalleled sensitivity—are combined, the resulting strain can easily cause subcutaneous capillaries to dilate to such an extent that they will burst. And when this happens, as it is almost bound to do, in the vicinity of sweat glands, blood and sweat will be exuded together. This can happen over a large part of the body. The thick drops or clots of blood, imparting a reddish color to the beads of perspiration, will then trickle down to the ground.

The main point to bear in mind is certainly this, that the anguish which brought about this phenomenon was “for us.” It was an indication of the Savior’s undying love for the poor, lost sinners he had come to save.”

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus. “While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” Picture this scene! Judas did not take long to do what he had been paid to do. He knew where Jesus often went and hung out. But, great crowd, swords, clubs? What did they expect? With Judas were temple police and soldiers, as well as some religious leaders. Pry a large crowd… Regardless, the enemies were prepared for whatever came their way. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss - a kiss. “And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”  And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.  But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.” We know this from the other Gospels to be Peter. Of course, Peter! A fisherman, now disciple, ready to battle for his Savior. Literally cut a guys ear off! Again, Jesus was the fulfillment of the Prophesies - only God could make something happen that was talked about years before - just as He said it would be. He could have asked God for 1,000’s of angels to come down and conquer these mere mortal men, but He did not as to fulfill what was said about Him. Peter was reacting and not thinking about the things of God - but he will someday! Then Jesus addressed the crowds. “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” They had many chances to take Jesus but they were too afraid of the people to do it in public…

Peter Denies Jesus. Just like Jesus said. Remember, Peter had been following Jesus at a distance. Now we learn about Peter denying Jesus 3 times by the time the rooster crowed. He denied knowing Jesus at all. Even swore to it. His accent gave him away. At the last denial, immediately the rooster crowed,“  But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. .” He felt the pain of his disobedience and he wept over his sin - a proper response for us to take note of.

Jesus is mocked. Picture this scene and tell me if your blood boils. “Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.” They made a mockery out of Jesus. Sadly, this happens in our culture today. Does it bother you? Or is it just part of life now? Think about it - when we read about it in the Bible it is so obvious and disgusting, but look around. Jesus is mocked all around us. They spit in His face. Oh my, I could not imagine that. They hit Him and slapped Him. They mocked His Divinity. They will be held accountable for such atrocious acts. If they didn't believe in Him, which they didn’t, then it is easier to see their disdain and hate for Him - He was against them and their treacherous ways.

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council. Now it was time for the enemies to take Jesus to the high priest, Caiaphas, as well as the elders and scribes = all the Jewish religious leaders. They spoke to Jesus, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”  So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” Not only did Jesus say yes I am He - but Jesus told him where He was going - to sit next to God in Heaven in Glory! Jesus was fulfilling what Daniel said in chapter 7. 

“I saw in the night visions, 

and behold, with the clouds of heaven 

there came one like a son of man, 

and he came to the Ancient of Days 

and was presented before him. 

  And to him was given dominion 

and glory and a kingdom, 

that all peoples, nations, and languages 

should serve him; 

his dominion is an everlasting dominion, 

which shall not pass away, 

and his kingdom one 

that shall not be destroyed.”

Oh, how I love Jesus Christ - and the religious leaders would have been aware of what Daniel had spoken.

John 13 Jesus washes the Disciple’s feet. Jesus was getting his disciples and the rest of us for a new Christ centered community. Jesus knew that He would be dying soon for us and going home to God, His Father. A quick picture… Jesus and His disciples were sitting in the upper room and they were having the Passover meal, Judas had already been taken over by Satan, and Jesus knew His time was near. He gets up and pours some water into a bowl after tying a towel around his waist. Baker’s Commentary paints a fantastic historical perspective - I know that it is long and may be a bit wordy, but it really helps…”Jesus and the disciples have come from Bethany. The feet, protected only by sandals, had become partly exposed to sand and dust. They were dirty, or at least uncomfortable. In such circumstances, the washing of the feet was customary. The host, though not himself performing this service (cf. Gen. 18:4; Luke 7:44), would generally see to it that it was performed. It was, after all, a menial task, that is, a task to be discharged by a servant. When John the Baptist desired to give expression to his feeling of unworthiness in comparison to Christ, he could think of no better way to express this than to say that he deemed himself unworthy of kneeling down in front of Jesus in order to unloose his sandalstraps and remove the sandals (with a view to washing the Master’s feet). See Vol. I, pp. 96, 97. Cf. 1 Sam. 25:41: “And she (Abigail) arose, and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, Behold, thy handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord (David).”

But here in the Upper Room there was no servant. Hence, one of the disciples should have performed this task. But none was willing. These men were too proud. A few moments ago (probably in connection with the order in which they would recline around the table) they had been arguing among themselves about the question of greatness (Luke 22:24). And this was not the first time that they had been squabbling about it. The question, “Who among us is the greatest?” seems to have occupied their minds and hearts again and again. The fact that greatness is measured with the yardstick of service had not registered with them.

In the Upper Room everything was ready. Here stood the pitcher and the wash-basin; and there lay the long linen cloth. There was water in the pitcher. Yet no one stirred. Each disciple was hoping that someone else would make the first move. And among these disciples there was one man so indescribably low in character that even at this very moment he was fully determined to betray the Lord, yes, fully resolved actually to deliver him up by treachery into the hands of his enemies, and to do this for thirty pieces of silver! Not one of the other disciples knew about this or suspected it.

It was the devil who had injected this vile purpose into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son. Having discovered at length that being a disciple of Jesus would not pay off, and being a thoroughly greedy individual, he was determined not to be put out of the synagogue (see on 9:22) but instead to cultivate the favor of the authorities by “showing them where Jesus was” (11:57). See further on 6:71 and on 12:4–6.

It was in the midst of such men—men with the So Big attitude of heart, men with Judas the traitor in their midst—that Jesus was about to set an example of humility and service. This reference to Judas, accordingly, makes the deed stand out in all its true greatness. Yes, the Master even washed the feet of Judas!

Another wonderful circumstance which adds glory to the deed was the fact that when Jesus performed it, he did it in the full consciousness (εἰδώς, probably modal participle; not causal, nor merely concessive) that he was God’s only begotten Son; hence, the rightful heir of all things. He knew “that the Father had given all things into his hands—cf. Psalm 2:8 and see Vol. I, pp. 14, 150—, and that he had come from God and was going to God (see above, on verse 1).

Jesus waited a long time. The disciples had already occupied their places around the U-shaped table. The food was on the table, and the meal was about to begin. Still no one offered to perform the duty of the servant. The water-pitcher, the wash-basin, and the apron-towel, placed there in the plain sight of all, frowned upon them. These utensils constituted a silent accusation against these men! Still no one moved.

It was then that Jesus acted. With calmness and majesty (see on verse 1 above) he rose from the supper and laid aside his garments (ἱμάτια). Note that the evangelist uses the plural “garments” both here and in verse 12. In 19:2 and 5 (“purple garment”) he uses the singular. In 19:23, 24 (the distribution of the garments among the soldiers, in connection with the crucifixion) he employs the plural once again. It seems, therefore that John makes a careful distinction. Hence, if the word garments in 13:2, 5 has the same meaning as in 19:23, 24, which seems probable, Jesus is pictured here as if he were an Oriental slave, wearing nothing but a loin-cloth. Phil. 2:7 “taking the form of a servant” comes to our mind immediately. Both the flowing outer garment and the tunic (as well as the belt, of course) had been laid aside.

Then Jesus took a long, linen cloth (λέντιον, from the Latin, linteum), and tied it around his middle, so that with the end of this towel he would be able to dry the disciples’ feet after he had washed them with his hands. Truly, the Lord of glory had “girded himself with humility” (cf. 1 Peter 5:5).” Jesus is our example of the ultimate humble servant.

He washed all of their dirty feet, as a lowly servant would have to get all the dirt and whatever else off, and we get a dialogue between Jesus and Him. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” Peter was all in as soon as he understood the ramifications. Jesus did this to them to set an example of humility and servanthood - something they currently lacked. Jesus made sure that they understood and explained it to them. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” We are blessed if we understand and serve each other in Christ name. Jesus also talked about the betrayer and He told them what was going to happen so that when it did, they would believe, and that they would also see the Scripture was being fulfilled.

One of them will betray Jesus. John tells the story a little different about the betrayal than the other Gospel accounts, but the point is the same - Jesus was to be betrayed by one He loved. The only difference is the emphasis from certain authors on the sequence of events, but that is understandable as each Gospel writer puts emphasis on certain things. Jesus was troubled in His spirt and told them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” This made them sorrowful and greatly distressed, because they loved Him (11 did) and they were uncertain of who Jesus was talking about. Peter had John ask of whom Jesus was talking about and he did. Jesus replied, “Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.”  They must have been devastated to find out, but then we read that they didn't still get it!  “Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.” Judas chose his path and sin. Jesus knew all along and still humbly served Judas - he just washed his feet! 

A New Commandment. Judas was now not with them. Jesus told them it was His time to be Glorified and God as well. “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” There you have it - we are to love. That means not shooting each other but just the opposite. We will known by our love. Sacrificial love. Commanded to show this to others in the name of Christ. We are to love as He loved us - that is 100% selfless serving love. 

Jesus foretells Peter Denial. Peter was trying to figure out just where Jesus was going… “Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter wanted to be with Jesus. Peter wanted to lay his life down for Jesus (and history reveals to us that he did end up dying for Jesus). “Jesus answered, Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.” Like we talked about earlier - the rooster crows before dawn and these denials will take place in that time frame - and they did. 

To sum it all up: 

• Jesus is our example of the ultimate humble servant. Sometimes it is hard to put others first, but we must if we want to be like Jesus. 
• Do people know Christ by your love for others? Even when it doesn't favor you? Its tough - I know, but we are commanded this by Christ. Commanded.
• Lots of commentary above - the point: Jesus is worth everything. Live for Him and serve others for Him. Love Him, no matter how hard it gets.