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Deutsche Version | Wiki Start | Topics Collection vii

New Commandment ...

Friday, Dec 4, 2015. The story of Jesus in the New Testament is a fantastic story. Where do you find such a story? Still today, after 2000 years, it is unique in a way which is breathtaking and astonishing. I have just read John 13, where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Then, he talks about love, and about salvation.

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It is not us …

What is the main point of the story of Jesus washing our feet? There are several important things here. One key point: we cannot do it ourselves. It is through him, through faith in Jesus, we are saved. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot even claim to have strong faith. Peter claimed to lay down his life for Jesus, but had to see very soon that he was not even able to stay faithful to him when confronted with a dangerous situation.

The bible calls us “kids of God”. Jesus himself uses these words. Perhaps the key point here is that we are willing to let him help us, just because we are not able to do it ourselves.

Jesus tells his disciples that they are clean, but not every one: there was one of them who would betray him. This is also highly electrifying. What is it that is taking place in the mind and heart of this person? What is it, that makes you leave God, though still being there with him? This person was still traveling with Jesus, he was still part of the group! But his heart was not following him any more.

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Can you guarantee for yourself? …

Can you guarantee for yourself? Peter could not, the apostle Peter, whom Jesus had told that he would be the rock on which his church would be built. Later, we hear about a scene of reconciliation, when Jesus asks him: do you love me, Peter? He asks it three times - to confirm that Peters failures are forgiven, and that new life is ahead.

We see too many people full of bitterness. Those who bring terror and war are often people with high ideals, but who have given up. They bring destruction now, since they do not find the way to forgiveness, to trust and to faith. It is not faith, to bomb others or to kill others, it is the loss of faith! We come to difficult questions here, which are of high political relevance, and reach deep into the root of life and faith.

I know not much more than to pray: Lord, you have given a new commandment, yet we feel like disabled when it comes to following you. We feel like beginners, who do not know how to handle the tools. Have mercy on us, Lord, and be our guide and helper! (RWEP) ... more texts

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