Jesus 'Loves His Own to the End'

For the next two days-Nisan 12 and 13-Jesus does not openly show himself at the temple.  The religious leaders are seeking to kill him, and he does not want anything  to interfere with his celebrating the Passover with his apostles .  The setting sun on Thursday  begins  Nisan 14-the last day of Jesus' life on earth as a human.  That evening, Jesus and his apostles are together  in a house in Jerusalem where preparation has been made for them to celebrate the Passover. As they enjoy the Passover together, he teaches the 12 a beautiful lesson in humility by washing their feet. After dismissing  Judas Iscariot, who has agreed to betray his Master  for 30 pieces of silver-the price of a mere slave according to the Mosaic Law-Jesus introduces  the Memorial of his death. -Exodus 21:32; Matthew 26:14, 15,  26-29; John 13:2-30. 

Following the inauguration of the Memorial, the apostles become involved in a heated argument over which one of them is the greatest. Rather than scolding them, Jesus patiently teaches them about the value  of ministering to others. Appreciating  that they have stuck  with him during the trials , he makes a personal covenant with them for a kingdom.  (Luke 22:24-30)  Jesus also commands them to love one another just as he loved them. (John 13:34)  As he lingers in that room, Jesus lovingly prepares them for his imminent departure.  He assures  them of his friendship, encourages them to exercise faith, and promises them the help of the holy spirit.  (John 14:1-17; 15:15) Before  leaving the house, Jesus petitions his Father:  "The hour has come, glorify  your son, that your son  may glorify you."  Indeed, Jesus has prepared the apostles for his departure, and he surely  'loves his own to the end.' -John 13:1; 17:1. 

 It may be well past midnight when Jesus and his apostles reach the garden of Gethsemane. He has often gone there with  his apostles. (John 18:1, 2)  Within hours, Jesus is to die as though he were a despicable criminal. the agony  of this anticipated experience and how it may bring reproach upon his Father is so intense that while Jesus prays, his sweat becomes as  drops of blood falling to the ground.  (Luke 22:41-44)  "The hour has come!" Jesus says to the apostles .  Look! My betrayer   has drawn near." While he is yet speaking, Judas Iscariot   approaches  accompanied by a large crowd carrying torches  and lamps  and weapons.  They have come to arrest Jesus.  He does not resist. "In that case," he explains, "how would the Scriptures  be fulfilled that it must take place   this way?" -Mark 14:41-43; Matthew 26:48-54.

Next time: The Son of Man Glorified!

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000