Open Hands or Clenched Fist
One of the most intriguing passages in the New Testament is John 2:24-25. Read it and tell me if you don’t agree:
“…Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew what people were really like. No one needed to tell him about human nature.” (New Living Translation)
Simply put, Jesus didn’t trust people. But then, how could He. He knows us too well. He knows we are fickle, unreliable, changeable, self absorbed… and worst of all, habitually sinful. Like Peter we like to boast about our fidelity under all circumstances. (John 13:37) But when the going gets tough, we more often than not, head for an exit. Peter did. So too the remaining 10 disciples. Once Jesus was arrested, John reports on their response:
…the disciples all forsook him and fled.…” (Matthew 26:56)
They were no-where to be found. Apparently, they fled to the safety of the Upper Room, locked the doors, shut the windows, turned off the lights, and waited for the trouble to pass.
Think about this for a moment. Jesus foreknew (knew in advance), everything that was going to happen. (John 16:32) He knew Judas would betray Him. He knew that Peter would deny Him. And He knew that the other ten would desert Him; consumed with fear that the Jews would come for them next and do to them, as they had done to Jesus.
Yet despite His foreknowledge of their coming betrayal, Jesus still “washed their feet”, so that He could, …
“…show them the full extent of his love.” (John 13:1)
It is easy to overlook the fact that Jesus washed the feet of those He knew would betray Him. He washed Peter’s feet, who three times denied that He even knew Jesus. Most remarkably, He washed Judas' feet; the man who was at the center of His diabolical betrayal. And then when He had finished washing their feet, he told them, (and by extension, you and me)…
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13:15)
But how? How do I allow myself to be open, vulnerable and loving towards others whom I know will let me down; especially if they have hurt me in the past? Aren’t they likely to do it again?
We do it in the same way that Jesus did: We don’t trust people, we trust God!
Jesus knew that He could not rely upon even His closest and most devoted followers. So instead of “relying” upon them, He placed all His reliance upon the Father, who never fails or disappoints!
When we get disappointed in others, it reveals that a subtle kind of idolatry is going on inside our hearts. We are looking at others to provide for us what only God can provide: Safety! People can make promises, but even the best of men will fail to keep their promises sooner or later.
But not God. God is love. Of that “love” Paul writes…
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails… (1 Corinthians 13:7, 8)
The point is this: If you rely upon people, they will disappoint you. In response, you will probably become guarded, cautious, distant, self-protective, resentful and even bitter. You will live with a clenched fist and a distant heart. And with each new betrayal, the walls around your heart will get taller and thicker. They will also slowly strangle you like a boa constrictor.
But if you rely upon God, human disappointments, will still hurt; but they will not derail you. Instead, they will drive you deeper into the Father’s heart and hands. The love you find there will be so rewarding, that you will no longer fear the hurt that people can do to you. As a consequence, you will live an open life, receptive and loving towards others. You will live the “abundant life” Jesus promised (John 10:10)