"Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."
(John 13:1)
How challenging was it for Jesus to love all his disciples. He only had a dozen. Still... On the one hand, HE was the one who originally chose them. He'd worked with them closely for 3 years. They'd been through a lot together. On the other hand, they frequently "didn't get it." They had a hard time grasping (sometimes significant) pieces of his message & ministry. Still, he loved them. Sincerely.
Near the end of his life, Jesus was gathered with his disciples. He was imparting his final words & instructions to them. He knew Judas was about to betray him, which would start in motion a series of painful (and costly) events. Nevertheless, Jesus loved him too.
There are moments in any leader's life when s/he is in a similar position. To love those given to him/her to lead. Even when they don't "get it." Even when they repeatedly challenge & question. Even when they don't seem to be on the same page as the rest of the team.
Jesus... loved... them... to... the... end.
Jesus... loves... me... to... the... end.
May I have the courage & strength to do the same.
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