“I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled,'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me” (John 13:18-20, ESV).
Some basic desires of every human being, according to Google, are: (1) the desire for acceptance, (2) the desire for curiosity, (3) the desire for eating, (4) the desire for family, (5) the desire for honor, (6) the desire for independence, (7) the desire for power, (8) the desire for romance, (9) the desire for status, and (10) the desire for vengeance.
One will desire specifically "to have enough savings," "to have a steady job with reliable income," “to find someone who truly loves him," “be accepted by many,” “to be respected," "to be known for his talent," “to win an award or be promoted," “to have a strong social media following," “to make a difference in the world,” “to travel wherever and whenever he wants,” etc.
However, as people in this world, but not of this world, let us not limit ourselves in knowing or having just those kind of desires. Let us learn and think not just the common or ordinary desires.
So, this time, let’s explore our topic, PECULIAR DESIRES, while we study our text (John 13:18-20).
When we speak here of the peculiar desires, we refer not to our own human desire. But we refer to the desires of Jesus Christ (the Biblical Jesus, proclaimed by the Apostles) -- not His desire for Himself; but His desire for His followers. As we learn later His peculiar desires, what should be our proper response?
Let us refresh our mind that in the early verses of John 13, the writer who addressed himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” related several excellent qualities of Jesus Christ.
What is usually seen by Bible commentators is the readiness of Christ to serve, as a slave. But we see that His act of grace was highlighted, when he extended his service even to the one, who would betray Him.
But that is not just the kind of goodness of Christ that glows in the verses ahead of our present text.
In verse 1 of John 13, the Apostle John pointed out that Jesus has people in the world who belong to Him in a special way. And He loved them not just the general kind of love He has for all humankind. He loved them “to the end.” We could understand it that His love is not only up to a certain point; His love extends onward. Or, we could understand the words “to the end” as “to the fullest.”
Another remarkable or excellent goodness of Jesus we can have a glimpse is in verse 7. He is Sovereign. He does not need our permission or human understanding before He can execute His Will for us.
Next in verse 10, Jesus illustrated by His action that He cleaned or washed spiritually His people. That’s His another glowing goodness that we need also to highlight.
And in verse 11, the Apostle John inferred also that Jesus is Omniscient. He knew who was to betray Him.
Now, in our present text, our Lord exhibited again His another excellent quality by portraying, not only paramount but peculiar desires for His followers. What, then, should be our proper, logical and honoring response?
-- TREASURE HIS DESIRE (verse 18-20).
We read verse 18-20, “I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."
What do we note in the text that Jesus desired for His followers? What did He want them to experience?
Let’s start with the obvious. Jesus told His disciples in verse 19, “I am telling you this now,…” He told them someone among them would betray Him, as He stated in an idiomatic way in the previous verse. Let’s finish verse 19, “…that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.”
He related to them that betrayal would happen, so when it happened they would believe or have faith in Him. It does not mean they didn’t have faith before, but it would be increased and strengthened. And that they would believe not just in a human Messiah.
In the Greek text, the word “he” is not present. It just states, “that you may believe that I am” -- referring to the Name of God in the Old Testament. Jesus desired for them to strengthen their faith that He is also Sovereign, thus Omniscient -- knows what would happen in the future.
But in the text, that is not only the desire of Jesus for His followers. Let’s go back to verse 18. He wanted them to realize that He regards them in a special way. Notice His words, “I know whom I have chosen.” Again, the word “know” in Greek does not just refer to awareness. It also means, “remember.” And “appreciate.” Jesus desired for His followers to realize that He regards them not just in an ordinary way. Not only He chooses them, but He knows, remembers and appreciates them.
Another desire of Jesus for His followers is also inferred in verse 18. The opening words states, “I am not speaking of all of you;…” Earlier He had related something to the group. What did He say? Let’s go back to verse 17: “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” This promise of blessing or happiness does not apply to everyone of them in the group. The blessing of physical bread was enjoyed by all of them, including Judas. Jesus said of him, “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” But He wanted the blessing of His words -- the spiritual bread, the word of promise -- be directed to His chosen ones.
One final desire of Jesus for His followers. He wanted them to have great encouragement in their mission. Jesus said in verse 20, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." He encouraged them by reminding them that they would go on a mission not just on their own authority or by any human authority. They would go by the Divine Authority of Jesus Christ. He was the One who sent them. They should not be discouraged also even if they are not welcomed or received, or others would not believe their message.
Why? Because if they are not welcomed, or their message is not accepted it is not actually themselves, who are rejected. But they rejected Jesus Himself and the Father who sent Him.
So, in this text we dig out many peculiar desires of Jesus for His disciples. It is evident that they did not just take lightly those desires. They treasured that Jesus wanted for them to strengthen or increase their faith. They treasured that He wanted for them to realize that He regards them in a very special way. They that He wanted that His words of promise be directed to them. And they that He wanted for them that they be encouraged greatly when they go on their mission.
When I was in high school, my desire was to become a priest. But the desire of my father for me was to become a lawyer. Both our desires did not happen. Perhaps, if my father did not leave this planet at once, he would be disappointed to see me in this place, not inside the courtroom arguing a case. But for me, I am grateful that my initial desire to become a priest did not materialize.
But the Lord’s desire for His chosen ones is different. It is peculiar. It is peculiar in the sense that it is not just an ordinary desire; but it will surely happen. He is Sovereign. He is the “I AM” and nothing will stop Him to make His desire be enjoyed or experienced by His people.
And He has other, many wonderful and peculiar desires for them. His written Word (Bible) is filled with those Divine desires.
Parents may just desire for their children to become professionals. But they have also other desires for them. Perhaps, for them also to be married happily. To have their own children. To be healthy.
And children may desire for their parents to have a long life. Also, to have other desires for them: good health, have a comfortable life, etc.
My desire for my wife is that she would be fascinated by God. But I desire for her also to have good health, to be happy, to be more patient with me…
In John 17, Jesus expressed another desire for His followers, as He prayed: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (v. 24).
He wants the chosen ones given to Him by the Father to be with Him to see or experience and enjoy His glory. He promised them also in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Aside from His desire that His true followers to be with Him ultimately, we have identified His other desires for them in our text. And if we read through His Word, surely we can find and treasure other desires of Jesus.
Believers or lovers of Christ, the question that we need to ask ourselves now is: If we count ourselves among those He has chosen, do we really treasure His desires for us? Or, do we treasure more our own human, earthly or temporal desires?
Knowing that Jesus desires for us to strengthen or increase our faith; that He desires for us to realize that He regards us in a very special way; that He desires that His words of promise be directed to us; that He desires for us to be encouraged greatly when we go to share His message -- should we not treasure them above the common desires that dominate in this world?
Surely, our Lord’s desires for us should have greater weight in our heart! We need to treasure them. Cherish them. Always think of them.
Earlier I related that it was my desire to become a priest. But my father wanted me to become a lawyer. In our time, the tendency is to follow our own heart’s desire. Perhaps, at that time, my desire was not strong enough, so instead of accepting the invitation of the American missionary to enter a seminary, I told him that I would like to become a lawyer. I set aside my desire and pursued the desire of my father for me. I enrolled in a pre-law course in college. However, just after I finished the four year course in college, my father died. So, instead of continuing my study, my desire then shifted to finding a job. I gave up pursuing my father’s desire for me.
Perhaps, I don’t really treasure my initial desire, nor the desire of my father for me.
What shall we do if we treasure the desires of Jesus for us?
I asked ChatGPT, “What should we do, if our parents desire something good for us?”
The number one answer is: “Acknowledge their good intent: “…recognize the goodness in their desire. When someone wants what they believe is good for you … it’s an act of care and love. Even if their idea of ‘good’ doesn’t align with yours, their intention likely come from a generous place. So we begin with gratitude…”
Then I asked again ChatGPT, “What should we do, if we note and value the peculiar desires of Jesus Christ for us?”
And the number one answer: “Begin with listening and wonder. The desires of Christ are not generic; they are peculiar in the richest sense -- personal, paradoxical, and radically loving… This is not the kind of desire the world often has for us. It’s not comfort, success, or acclaim -- it’s transformation. So first: listen in awe… Let the strangeness of His desire settle into you.”
Another answer given: “Respond, not just admire. It’s not enough to value Christ’s desires -- they long to be received and lived… This might mean: Surrendering something you’ve clung to; trusting when it makes no sense…”
Also, if we treasure the desires of Christ for us, ChatGPT states:
“Let it change your desires. As you welcome His peculiar desires for you, your own desires will begin to shift. What once seemed important may seem hollow. What once seemed foolish… now glows with deep beauty.”
So, remember the peculiar desires of Jesus for you. Treasure them. And what shall we do, if we treasure the desires of Jesus for us?
Again, ChatGPT tells us: listen in wonder; respond in trust, not just admiration; and let His desire shape your own.
Treasure the desires of Jesus for you. Listen in wonder. Respond in trust, not just admiration. And let His desire shape your own.
May I add another one, that I got while I was on my knees. Just what is it? Pursue unceasingly those desires.
If I pursued the desire of my father, you would have someone here speaking before you, not just a retiree but a lawyer.
So, if we treasure Jesus’ desires for us, be more motivated to pursue them. Let us pursue in strengthening and increasing our faith. Let us pursue in realizing that He regards us in a special, intimate way. Let us pursue receiving His words of promise because they are intended for us. Let us not cease absorbing His words. Let us pursue to be encouraged greatly, as we go to share His message. Pursue them without ceasing.
CONCLUSION:
In closing, if we value the good desires for us of our parents, the more we need to value or treasure Jesus’ desires for us. Be so familiar with them. Dig out for them in His Word.
And as we treasure His desires for us, let our affection also blossoms for them. But our loving feeling should not be directed and remained on them. Our affection should be primarily aimed at the Biblical Jesus, who Alone has peculiar desires for us. And who has the Sovereign Power to make them happen in our life.
