TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God. John 13:3
Read: John 13:1-3
Listen: John 13
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus knows his identity and his destiny. He’s secure in what God said about him and that God will take care of him. He knows the Father loves him and he’s doing what he’s supposed to do. John writes that because Jesus knew these things, he takes the towel to wash the disciples’ feet. It’s an interesting connection the author makes. It’s possible one of the things Jesus thinks about at this moment is his baptism, when heaven opens and God says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17b). Jesus’s understanding of his identity is directly linked to service.
Jesus isn’t the only one beloved by God. The New Testament makes it clear that if we’ve accepted Jesus’s offer of life, we’re adopted into God’s family—a new identity. As a part of his family, we will be with God forever—a new destiny. These truths can empower us to embrace and endure whatever we go through. When everything seems to be going wrong, we can cling to what God says about us. When we need to make a right, but difficult decision, one that may upset other people, we can lean on our identity in Christ. When our health begins to fail, we can take comfort in our destiny. Being beloved by God reshapes how we interact with the world.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Memorize Ephesians 2:10. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God created you as his own masterpiece. Memorizing this verse helps remind you of your identity in Christ.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
June is WORSHIP. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
