Category Archives: John

How long have you known Jesus? How well?

Jesus had been with His disciples some three years. And yet we hear Him say this:

“Have I been so long time with you, and yet has thou not known me, Philip?” (John 14:9).

I’ve been with Him longer than that. I find it very heart-searching to realize I should know Him far better than I do.

Let that become the primary driving passion in my life!

The more I know Him, the better I can pray in His name:

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13).

Whatever I ask and for whomever I ask it!

Overcoming anger, defeating depression, denying self, loving a child, casting down temptation — I need to ask!

Inner peace, interpersonal peace, conflict resolution, forgiveness, freedom from bitterness — I need to ask!

Physical healing, emotional restoration, moral purity, spiritual strength, long-haul commitment — I need to ask!

“Whatsoever . . . will I do.” Jesus said it!

What would it take for me to quit loving someone?

Would a friend’s betrayal do it? How about a person’s continued false reports about me? Or a formerly-faithful individual turning his back on God and/or my home congregation? Perhaps someone engaging in some sort of terrible sin?

Jesus had His twelve disciples, all of whom fell far short of “deserving” His love.

And yet . . . .

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end” (John 13:1).

Even John. Even Peter. Even Judas.

Oh, please, let His enduring love continue loving through me. Even those who don’t “deserve” it.