Cross the Finish Line Together

In today’s passage, we return to the subject of Judas’ betrayal. John begins by giving a damning description of what he really thought of Judas - a thief and someone who looks out only for himself. At that last supper, Jesus had identified him as the one who would betray Him. Shortly after, Judas left to go about his “betrayal business”. It almost seems like he could not help himself… possibly because Satan had taken such a hold of his heart (13:27) that there was no turning back for Judas.

I’m not sure about you, but I have always found it puzzling as to why the next thing on Jesus’ mind, right after the topic of betrayal, was verse 34 - to love one another as He had loved them. It seems like an out-of-place topic for such a solemn night, and right after talking about being betrayed by one of the disciples. Why did John insert this into his account of the Last Supper? And why was he adamant that it happened in this sequence?

As 21st century readers, we can only guess. However, I would like to provide you with an uncommon perspective. I’ll begin by asking these questions - “How did Judas end up betraying Christ?” and “What led to his eventual suicide (Matthew 27:3-10)?” Typically, we would attribute his downfall to his greed, pride or even the open door that Satan had in Judas’ life. However, there is possibly one other reason that we don’t often consider - Judas reached the state that he was in because the disciples stopped caring and looking out for each other. They started to focus on “who is the greatest”? They, very much like Judas, were only interested in themselves - who is the greatest! Slowly and progressively, their spiritual condition started to deteriorate because they did not watch out for each other. It is no wonder why all of them abandoned Christ, and Peter denied Him. They were no longer a spiritual community. Instead, they became competitors with each other rather than brothers who watched out for one another. This is possibly one of the major reasons for Judas’ downfall. And, it is precisely because of this that Jesus felt it necessary to address today’s topic with them before He was taken from them. That is why He says - “love one another as I have loved you.” He wouldn’t have said this if it was already happening in the group. His desire for the 12 is that they become each other’s keeper, protector, and encourager. This was how the world was going to recognise them as Jesus’ disciples - through their love for one another. This was what Christ modelled to them while He was on earth!

One of the most exhilarating shows I’ve watched on TV was the World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji 2020. It is known as the world’s toughest race for a reason - the race is really, really tough. I would not have survived it. The race involved 88 teams of 4. These teams would race non-stop, 24 hours per day, over a rugged 671km course in Fiji, where the temperature could be icy cold at times. The race involved 5 legs - the ocean leg, the jungle leg, the river leg, the highland leg, and the island leg. These encompassed various disciplines such as stand-up paddling (77km), trekking (50km), paddleboarding (71km), mountain biking (140km), whitewater rafting (30km), rappelling (60m), climbing (300m), swimming (27km), rafting (50km) and kayaking (45km). I feel tired just describing the race to you. 66 teams competed in this competition. 22 teams failed to finish the race, while 44 teams managed to cross the finish line. Team New Zealand won the race, and it took 141 hours and 23 minutes to complete it. Team USA (Canyoneros) was the last team to arrive (44th place) with a time of 268 hours and 35 minutes. What caught my attention the most about this race was how the teams finished.

The finish line was at an island that they would need to kayak to. When they arrived, every team that crossed the finish line ended the race the same way (unrehearsed) - they would all cross the finish line together as one, hands on each other’s shoulders. The victory for each team was not in the position they finished in. Rather, their victory was in the fact that they managed to finish the race together.

I think this gives us a glimpse of what Christ meant when He instructed His disciples to love one another. We must desire that every one of our team members cross the finish line together with us. Therefore, we need to look out for one another as we cross the mountains and valleys and swim in the icy rivers. To carry the ones who have no strength to carry on. To do whatever it takes to bring the whole team across the finish line where we will hear the words “well done, good and faithful servant!”

Reflection

Am I running my race alone, or am I running together with a “team” of brothers/sisters? How can I love my brothers/sisters of this “team” the way Christ loved me?

Application

Ensure that you are walking through your journey of faith together with a “team”. Don’t journey alone but allow others to spur you on, encourage you, lift you up and rebuke you when you are off the path.