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Chapter 160

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THE CHARACTER OF JESUS:
Love

160.020.000       Torrey: p103 T:II
Topic 20:   The Love of Jesus Christ to God the Father.

160.020.010       Torrey: p103, T:II, P:1
POINT 10:   Jesus Christ loved the Father.

      John 14:31 but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

160.022.000       Torrey: p103 T:II
Topic 22:   How the Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself.

160.022.010       Torrey: p104, T:II, P:1
POINT 10:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His doing as the Father commanded.

      John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.

      John 15:10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

   Even when Jesus gave up the glory of heaven for the shame of earth, His obedience to the Father's will did not falter.

      John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

   His obedience to the Father's will did not falter at His death, not even death on a cross.

      Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!

   His death was in the highest sense voluntary. It was the goal toward which Jesus deliberately walked.

      Compare John 10:15, 17-18 [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father -- and I lay down my life for the sheep. [17] The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life -- only to take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.

      Luke 9:51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

   But it was not only on that last journey that "He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem;" but when He first took upon Himself the nature of man, He steadfastly set His face to go to Calvary. The Jews stood beside the tomb of Lazarus and saw Jesus weeping and said "Behold how He loved Him":

      John 11:36 Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

   i.e., loved Lazarus. We stand beside the cross and behold Jesus bleeding and we cry "Behold how He loved Him" -- loved God.

160.022.020       Torrey: p104, T:II, P:2
POINT 20:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His keeping the Father's word, i.e., in attending carefully to it and guarding it.

      John 8:55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.

   To keep God's word means more than to obey His commandments. A man may obey commandments without hearty love to them, but we guard that which we regard as a precious treasure. This Jesus did. The Father's word was His most precious treasure. He guarded it as other men do their gold and jewels. This esteem for His Father's word was an especial mark of His love to the Father. The Destructive Critics profess to love God. How little of it they show in this way. They are ready to give away God's word to the first plausible sophist that advances a high-sounding argument for surrendering some precious portion of the Word of God.

160.022.030       Torrey: p105, T:II, P:3
POINT 30:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His unwavering submission to the Father's will, even when the Father's will required actions that caused Jesus heart- breaking anguish.

      Matthew 26:39, 42 [39] Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." [42] He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

160.022.040       Torrey: p105, T:II, P:4
POINT 40:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His positive delight in doing the Father's will. The connection shows that the sacrificial death of Jesus was the Father's will.

      Psalms 40:8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

   This delight in the Father's will manifested itself even in the boyhood of Jesus:

      Luke 2:49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

   Doing the Father's will and accomplishing His work was Jesus Christ's meat; it was more to Him than His necessary food.

      John 4:34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."

160.022.050       Torrey: p105, T:II, P:5
POINT 50:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His always doing things which were pleasing to the Father.

      John 8:29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.

   This is more than obedience to express commandments. A son may do whatever a father bids him, but a more loyal and loving son will not wait to be bidden, but study to find out what is pleasing to his father and anticipate the expression of his will. To know what was pleasing to the Father was Jesus Christ's constant study; to do these things was his unvarying practice.

160.022.060       Torrey: p106, T:II, P:6
POINT 60:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His seeking the Father's will.

      John 5:30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

   The accomplishment of His Father's will was the one object of His pursuit. As other men hunt for gold, or pleasure, or honor, or the accomplishment of their own will, He sought for the accomplishment of His Father's will.

160.022.070       Torrey: p106, T:II, P:7
POINT 70:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His seeking and accepting testimony and glory from the Father alone.

      John 5:34, 41 [34] Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. [41] "I do not accept praise from men,"

      Compare John 5:44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?

160.022.080       Torrey: p106, T:II, P:8
POINT 80:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His finishing the work the Father gave Him to do.

      John 17:4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

   When was that work finished?

      John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

   Jesus finished the work on the cross. It was love to God before love to man that brought Jesus to Calvary. We speak of God the Father loving men in Christ, which is true, but it is also true that Christ's sacrifice for men finds its final reason and original source in obedience to the will of the Father, who was the object of His Supreme love.

160.022.090       Torrey: p107, T:II, P:9
POINT 90:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the Father manifested itself in His seeking the glory of the Father alone.

      John 7:18 He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

      John 17:4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

      John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."

   The Father's glory was Jesus Christ's first and great ambition, the consuming passion of His life. It was for the Father's glory He planned, prayed, acted, suffered and died. On the greatest commandment:

      Matthew 22:37-38 [37] Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. [38] This is the first and greatest commandment."

   His own life is the supreme manifestation of this law which He taught.

160.030.000       Torrey: p107, T:III
Topic 30:   The Love of Jesus Christ to men. (Main Topic)

160.032.000       Torrey: p107, T:III(1)
Topic 32:   Whom among men did Jesus love?

160.032.010       Torrey: p107, T:III(1), P:1
POINT 10:   Jesus Christ loved the Church.

      Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

   The Church is loved by Christ in a particular sense and a special way. A philanthropist may love all mankind and yet, if he is a true man, he will love his own wife as he loves no other woman; so Christ has special love for the Church, His bride. We must be on our guard, in studying the various passages in the Bible which speak about the love of Christ, to note whether they refer to His love in general, i.e., His love to all mankind, or His love in particular, i.e., His love to the Church, which is His body and His bride.

160.032.020       Torrey: p108, T:III(1), P:2
POINT 20:   Jesus Christ loves individual believers. Jesus Christ not only loves His church as a whole, but He loves each individual who believes in Him.

      Ephesians 5:1-2 [1] Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

      Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

160.032.030       Torrey: p108, T:III(1), P:3
POINT 30:   Jesus Christ "loved His own" which were in the world. Not all men were "His own" when He was here upon earth; neither all His own today.

      John 13:1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

   QUESTION: Who are His own?

      John 17:2, 9, 12 [2] For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. [9] I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. [12] While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

   Jesus Christ's own are those whom God the Father has given to Him. The proof that anyone belongs to this elect company is that he comes to Christ.

      John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

   This highly favored company given to Christ by the Father, and who come to Christ, are objects of Christ's special love. He ministers to them in a special way.

      See context: John 13:1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

   He guards them so that not one of them perishes.

      John 17:12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

      John 18:9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."

160.032.040       Torrey: p108, T:III(1), P:4
POINT 40:   Jesus Christ loves those who have His commandments and keep them.

      John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.

   Christ has an altogether special love for His obedient disciples; to them He manifests Himself as not to the world.

      John 15:10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

   Those who keep His commandments abide in His love. This does not mean, as sometimes interpreted, "abide in the consciousness of his love." It means rather what it says. There is a love of Christ out of which one steps by disobedience.

      Mark 3:35 Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother.

   Whoever does the will of God stands in the relation of closest kinship to Christ. Such a one is to Him his brother and sister and mother. A man may love all men and yet he has a special love to his own brother and his own sister; and above all, to his own mother. Toward whosoever does the will of God, Jesus Christ has that love which combines all three in one.

      John 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

   Jesus Christ's love to those who keep His commandments is just the same has His Father's love to Him.

160.032.050       Torrey: p109, T:III(1), P:5
POINT 50:   Jesus Christ loves sinners, the lost, the ungodly.

      Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

      Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

      Romans 5:6, 8 [6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

   Jesus Christ loves the vilest sinner as truly as He loves the purest saint, but He does not love the vilest sinner in the same way that He loves the purest saint. His love to the sinner is one thing; His love to the obedient disciple quite another. Toward the one He has pity, in the other He takes pleasure. There is an attraction in both cases. In the one case it is the attraction of need appealing to compassion; in the other case it is the attraction of beauty appealing to appreciation and delight. Christ pities the sinner; He delights in the saint. He loves them both. In the parable of the lost sheep we see that the attraction of need is the greater.

160.032.060       Torrey: p110, T:III(1), P:6
POINT 60:   Jesus Christ loved His enemies.

      Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

160.032.070       Torrey: p110, T:III(1), P:7
POINT 70:   Jesus Christ loved His own kin. Jesus Christ had a special interest in and love for those who were His kindred according to the flesh. Christianity does not ignore but sanctifies natural ties.

      John 19:25-27 [25] Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," [27] and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

      1 Corinthians 15:7-8 [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, [8] and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

      John 7:5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

   Jesus seems to have shown himself to no unsaved man after his resurrection, except his brother.

160.032.080       Torrey: p110, T:III(1), P:8
POINT 80:   Jesus Christ loved children. Children had a special attraction for Jesus Christ, and were the objects of his special solicitude and care.

      Matthew 18:3, 6, 10 [3] And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [6] But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. [10] See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

160.032.090       Torrey: p111, T:III(1), P:9
POINT 90:   Jesus Christ loved special individuals in a special way.

      John 11:5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

      Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

      John 19:26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"

   While Jesus Christ loves all men with infinite love, while he has a particular love to His Church as His bride and His body, while He has an individual love to each member of His body, while He has a still more especial love to all those who have His commandments and keep them and do His Father's will, yet, the more open any heart is to Him by faith and love, the more is that person the object of His especial delight.

160.034.000       Torrey: p111, T:III(2)
Topic 34:   How the Love of Jesus Christ to Men manifests itself.

160.034.010       Torrey: p111, T:III(2), P:10
POINT 10:   The Love of Jesus Christ to men manifested itself in His becoming poor that we might become rich.

      2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

   How great the riches He renounced and how great the poverty He assumed is seen in the following:

      Philippians 2:6-8 [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, [7] but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!

   How great the riches we obtain through His becoming poor we see in the following:

      Romans 8:16-17 [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

160.034.020       Torrey: p112, T:III(2), P:20
POINT 20:   The Love of Jesus Christ for us manifested itself in His giving Himself, laying down His life for us.

      Ephesians 5:2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

      Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

      John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

      John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

   Jesus had a self-sacrificing love. The death of Christ was not the only sacrifice He made, but the crowning one. His whole life was a sacrifice, from the manger to the cross. His becoming man at all was a sacrifice of immeasurable greatness and meaning:

      Philippians 2:6-7 [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, [7] but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

160.034.030       Torrey: p112, T:III(2), P:30
POINT 30:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the vilest sinner was manifested in His forgiving them when they repented and believed in Him.

      Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

160.034.040       Torrey: p112, T:III(2), P:40
POINT 40:   The Love of Jesus Christ to us manifests itself in His washing (or loosing, Revised Version) us from our sins in His own blood.

      Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

160.034.050       Torrey: p112, T:III(2), P:50
POINT 50:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His lost sheep manifests itself (a) His going after them until He finds them; (b) in His rejoicing over the lost one found; (c) in His laying the lost one found on His own shoulders; (d) in His bring it safely home.

      Luke 15:4-7 [4] Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? [5] And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders [6] and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' [7] I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

160.034.060       Torrey: p113, T:III(2), P:60
POINT 60:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His flock manifests itself in His tender care for each member of the flock.

      John 10:4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

      Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

160.034.070       Torrey: p113, T:III(2), P:70
POINT 70:   The Love of Jesus Christ for man was manifested in Himself taking over infirmities and bearing our sicknesses.

      Matthew 8:17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."

160.034.080       Torrey: p113, T:III(2), P:80
POINT 80:   The Love of Jesus Christ for men was manifested in His having compassion upon them and delivering them from their sicknesses.

      Matthew 14:14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

160.034.090       Torrey: p113, T:III(2), P:90
POINT 90:   The Love of Jesus Christ to men was manifested in His having compassion upon them and supplying their physical needs.

      Matthew 15:32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."

      Compare Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

160.034.100       Torrey: p113, T:III(2), P:100
POINT 100:   The Love of Jesus Christ to men is manifested in His reproving them in order to bring them to repentance.

      Revelation 3:19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

160.034.110       Torrey: p114, T:III(2), P:110
POINT 110:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His disciples is manifested in His not leaving them desolate. He Himself comes to them.

      John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

160.034.120       Torrey: p114, T:III(2), P:120
POINT 120:   The Love of Jesus Christ was manifested in weeping over the sorrow of His loved ones.

      John 11:33-36 [33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. [34] "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

   Note: He knew that this sorrow was for only a moment, that it was founded upon a misapprehension, that in a few moments it would be changed for exceeding joy; but it was real, and as it was theirs it was His also.

160.034.130       Torrey: p114, T:III(2), P:130
POINT 130:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His disciples was manifested in His comforting them in their sorrow and anxiety.

      John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

      John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

160.034.140       Torrey: p114, T:III(2), P:140
POINT 140:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His disciples was manifested in His leaving them His own peace and His own joy.

      John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

      John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

160.034.150       Torrey: p115, T:III(2), P:150
POINT 150:   The Love of Jesus Christ to men was manifested in His grieving over the hardening of their hearts.

      Mark 3:5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

   The hardening of their hearts, as shown by the context, was shameful and outrageous. It aroused Christ's anger. But it also moved Him to grief. Would that we had that feeling toward even the most outrageous sin that our anger would be mixed with tears.

160.034.160       Torrey: p115, T:III(2), P:160
POINT 160:   The Love of Jesus Christ toward His disciples and toward His enemies was manifested in His praying for them.

   This is a most important manifestation of love.

      Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

      John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

      Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

160.034.170       Torrey: p115, T:III(2), P:170
POINT 170:   The Love of Jesus Christ toward skeptics was manifested in patient dealing with unreasonable, inexcusable and stubborn doubts.

      Luke 24:38-40 [38] He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? [39] Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." [40] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

      John 20:24-29 [24] Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." [26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" [27] Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." [28] Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" [29] Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

160.034.180       Torrey: p116, T:III(2), P:180
POINT 180:   The Love of Jesus Christ toward a weak disciple was manifested by patient and tender dealing with his lapse into grievous sin and apostasy.

      Mark 16:7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'

160.034.190       Torrey: p116, T:III(2), P:190
POINT 190:   The Love of Jesus Christ to those who believe in Him is manifested in His giving them overwhelming victory in all their conflicts.

         Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

160.034.200       Torrey: p116, T:III(2), P:200
POINT 200:   The Love of Jesus Christ was manifested (a) in His forgetting His own awful agony in His sympathy for the sorrows of others; (b) by entrusting His own work to the one He loved. He entrusted His own most sacred charge to the disciple He loved.

      John 19:26-27 [26] When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," [27] and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

160.034.210       Torrey: p116, T:III(2), P:210
POINT 210:   The Love of Jesus Christ to men manifested itself in His performing the lowliest and most menial service for them.

      John 13:1-5 [1] It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. [2] The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] 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.

   It is easy to perform the most menial services for those we love. A mother can perform the most humiliating and repulsive service for the baby she loves. (Yet wealthy mothers usually employ someone to do it.) What but love, wondrous love, could enable the only begotten of God, in the full consciousness "that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came forth from God, and goes to God." to arise from the table and with His own hands do this menial service for His disciples? And Judas was there, too and the devil had already put it into his heart to betray Jesus.

      Confer: John 13:2, 10-11 [2] The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. [10] Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." [11] For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

160.034.220       Torrey: p117, T:III(2), P:220
POINT 220:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His friends manifests itself by His making known to them all things that the Father makes known to Him.

      John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

   When you discover some great truth, what do you wish to do with it? Do you not wish to hurry away to your most loved ones and make it known to them? So Jesus, in the fullness of His love to us, hastens to make known to us all that the Father makes known to Him.

160.034.230       Torrey: p117, T:III(2), P:230
POINT 230:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His own sheep is manifested in His calling them by name.

      John 10:3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

   This looks like a very small matter, but in that fact lies part of its significance. It is a tender illustration of the Savior's love for His own. There was also something special in the way in which He called His own by name.

      Compare John 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

160.034.240       Torrey: p118, T:III(2), P:240
POINT 240:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His own manifests itself in His keeping them so that not one of them is lost.

      John 17:12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

      John 18:8-9 [8] "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." [9] This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."

      Romans 8:35-39 [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

160.034.250       Torrey: p118, T:III(2), P:250
POINT 250:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His disciples manifests itself in His so thoroughly identifying Himself with them that He regards all that is done to the least of them as done to Himself.

      Acts 9:5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.

      Matthew 25:37-45 [37] "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' [40] "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' [41] "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. [42] For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, [43] I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' [45] "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"

160.034.260       Torrey: p119, T:III(2), P:260
POINT 260:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the church was manifested in His leaving the Father to cleave to the church, so that they too shall be one flesh.

      Ephesians 5:31-32 [31] "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." [32] This is a profound mystery -- but I am talking about Christ and the church.

160.034.270       Torrey: p119, T:III(2), P:270
POINT 270:   The Love of Jesus Christ to those who keep His commandments is manifested in His manifesting Himself to them and making His abode with them.

      John 14:21-23 [21] Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." [22] Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" [23] Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

160.034.280       Torrey: p119, T:III(2), P:280
POINT 280:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His disciples has been manifested in His going to prepare a place for us.

      John 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

   Note: The "house of many rooms" is a reference to Jewish marriage customs in first-century Israel. In 1996 on his television show on Christian television, Dr. Zola Levitt presented an excellent series on Passover and how it directly symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ. He also discussed the symbolism of the "house of many rooms" and "only the father knows" when things are ready.

160.034.290       Torrey: p119, T:III(2), P:290
POINT 290:   The Love of Jesus Christ to His disciples will manifest itself in His coming again for us to receive us to Himself, that we may be no more separated one from the other.

      John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

      Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:16- 17: [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

   Note 1: -- He comes Himself: "I come again." He sends no mere messenger.

   Note 2: -- It is to receive us "to Himself," not merely into heaven. It is as if He longed for us, longed to press us to His very soul, His very self, to Himself." We long for Him, but not as He longs for us. Heaven is a lonely place to Him without us. Earth ought to be a lonely place to us without Him. Godet's comment on these words is worth repeating. "He presses him to His heart, so to speak, while bearing him away. There is an infinite tenderness in these last words. It is for Himself that He seems to rejoice in and look to this moment which will put an end to all separation." (Godet's John, Volume 2, page 270, American Edition.)

160.034.300       Torrey: p120, T:III(2), P:300
POINT 300:   The Love of Jesus Christ to the church manifested itself in the past by His giving Himself for it; manifests itself in the present in His sanctifying and cleansing it with the washing of water by the word; will manifest itself in the future by His presenting it to Himself "a glorious church not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing," but "holy and without blemish."

      Ephesians 5:25-27 [25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

160.040.000       Torrey: p120, T:IV
Topic 40:   Jesus Christ's Love for Souls.

160.040.010       Torrey: p120, T:IV, P:1
POINT 10:   Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost.

      Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

   This was the great object of His earthly mission. Not to receive honor nor to accumulate wealth nor to gain a kingdom. He left behind greater glories than the world contained -- to save the lost. Lost men were of more value and preciousness in His sight than all earth[s wealth and glory. A single soul was of priceless value. In His sight, the whole material universe was not worth as much as a single soul. In His sight, each soul has this value -- not only the soul of the philosopher and the saint, but also the soul of the savage and the outcast.

160.040.020       Torrey: p121, T:IV, P:2
POINT 20:   Jesus Christ was ever on the watch for opportunities to save perishing souls.

      John 4:6-7, 10 [6] Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. [7] When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" [10] Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

   We see this again in the following:

      John 9:35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

      Mark 2:4-5 [4] Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. [5] When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

   "He made use of His miracles as stepping-stones to reach the soul." (Stalker, in "Imago Christi, page 231.) In the same way, we ought to use every act of kindness which we are able to perform for men.

160.040.030       Torrey: p121, T:IV, P:3
POINT 30:   Jesus Christ went after lost souls.

      Luke 15:4 Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?

   He not only watched for and welcomed opportunities when they came in His way, He sought opportunities. He not only received the lost when they came to Him, He went after them. A true love for souls will always reveal itself in a going out in search of them.

160.040.040       Torrey: p121, T:IV, P:4
POINT 40:   Jesus Christ found His joy and satisfaction in saving lost souls.

      John 4:32-34 [32] But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." [33] Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?" [34] "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

   In this work He forgot weariness, hunger, thirst. In it He found joy and refreshment for His body:

      Mark 3:20-21 [20] Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. [21] When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

   Jesus so lost Himself in His work that He neglected the ordinary needs of his body in its prosecution and His friends said, "He is beside himself."

160.040.050       Torrey: p122, T:IV, P:5
POINT 50:   Jesus Christ rejoiced with great joy over lost souls found.

      Luke 15:5-7 [5] And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders [6] and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' [7] I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

   As a shepherd rejoices over the sheep that had gone astray when he finds it; as the woman rejoices over the coin lost from her marriage necklace when it is found again; as the gold-hunter rejoices over the great nugget of gold that he digs from the rock -- so and infinitely more Jesus rejoices over a lost soul found.

160.040.060       Torrey: p122, T:IV, P:6
POINT 60:   Jesus Christ grieved with great grief over lost souls that refused to be saved.

      John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

      Luke 19:41-42 [41] As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it [42] and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace -- but now it is hidden from your eyes.

      Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.

   No woman ever grieved over her stolen jewels, no mother over a lost child, as Jesus over lost men who refused to be saved. No words can picture the agony that shot through the heart of Jesus Christ when men refused to come to him that they might have life.

160.040.070       Torrey: p123, T:IV, P:7
POINT 70:   Jesus Christ gladly laid down His life to save souls.

      John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

      Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

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