The 2nd Greatest

There is no question but what the Cross is the greatest demonstration of love and grace the world has ever seen or will ever see. Have you ever thought about what could be considered the second greatest? I have, and while it may be open to some debate, let me suggest this possibility. I remember a number of years ago the first time I became aware of the fact that Judas was still present in the upper room the night that Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. I had heard the story many times of course, and often thought about it, as no doubt you have as well. And I just always had thought, for some reason of which I am not sure, that Judas would have already gone off to do his dastardly deed when the foot washing took place. But he was there. He was there and Jesus washed his feet. How do we know? Well, a couple of reasons. One, foot washing, for reasonable purposes, would have taken place before the meal, not during or after. And then there is the simple fact that the Scriptures are clear on the chronology of this as well. If you read John 13 you will see that the first seventeen verses recount the foot washing which is followed by verses 18 to 30 (read them for yourself) which tells us what happened next. Judas was there. He was there and Jesus washed his feet.

To imagine Jesus, the Lord of glory, washing the disciple’s feet, anyone’s feet (thus Peter’s reluctance) is truly an amazing thing. But Judas?! What was that like? Can you just imagine it!

When we consider the foot washing account in relation to how Paul describes the entire ‘Christ event’ – Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection & ascension – in Philippians 2, we can see that it was not only a single act of humility, kindness and servant-hood, but it also had monumental typological significance as well. If you have not yet seen this comparison done I’m confident it will astound you as well as bless you. Take a look:

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God” (Jn 13:3)  … “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped”  (Phil 2:6)

“So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist” (Jn 13:4) … “But made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness.”  (Phil 2:7)

“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (Jn 13:5) … “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!”  (Phil 2:8)

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.” (Jn 13:12)

… “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name”  (Phil 2:9)

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.” (Jn 13:13) … “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  (Phil 2:10,11)

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (Jn 13:14,15) … “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:3-5)

What is totally evident then from this is that Jesus’ whole life and death ministry was a gigantic act of service which we are called to emulate. And what about Judas? Well, Paul says that, “… while we were yet sinners Christ died for us”. I’m not suggesting that Judas will be in heaven. I don’t see any biblical warrant for that. But I am suggesting that Jesus loved him, and that (with apologies to the Calvinists) Christ’s death was on Judas’ behalf, and that forgiveness (cleansing) and salvation was available to Judas or anyone else who will come to Christ for it. Sufficient for all, efficient for those who believe. The offer is there. “Whoever wills may come.”

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”  1Jn 2:1,2

Think about it though – Christ’s love for sinners - absolutely incomparable, and yet we are called to emulate it.