📖 Day 269 John 13–15 Psalm 73

In John 13, before the Passover meal, Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. This surprises them because a teacher would never do such a humble task. Jesus explains that He is giving them an example: true greatness is in serving others. During the meal, He tells them that one of them will betray Him, and Judas leaves. Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved them.

In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples, telling them not to be troubled. He promises that He is going to prepare a place for them and that He is the way, the truth, and the life. He also promises the Holy Spirit, who will be their helper and guide after He goes. His words remind them that even when He leaves, they will never be alone.

In John 15, Jesus says that He is the true vine and that His followers are the branches. Just as branches must remain connected to the vine to live and grow, His people must remain in Him. He calls them to remain in His love and to love one another. He also warns that the world will hate them, but that they are chosen and loved by Him.

Do you feel that John is becoming more intense? Yes, and it makes sense. In John 13–15, the focus changes. Before, Jesus showed miracles, but now He is preparing His friends for the cross. The themes shift to harder things: betrayal, departure, and even the hatred of the world. It feels heavy because the timeline is getting close to the end.

In Psalm 73, the writer struggles because it seems that wicked people prosper while he suffers. But when he enters the presence of God, he sees the truth: the success of the wicked will not last, but the people of God have Him forever.