FULL EXTENT
Today's reading: John 13-15

"Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He now showed the disciples the full extent of his love." John 13:1 NLT

I really cannot imagine that the love Jesus showed his disciples could change from one day to the next.

I doubt He loved them more.

I doubt He showed them in  greater ways.

I doubt He hugged them tighter than usual, listened more intently or enjoyed their presence any more than He did any other day.

But it had to be different, none the less.

Firstly, my Bible tells me it was. The full extent of His love, it says. Nothing held back. Nothing left unsaid. No opportunity not used as one to teach them what He knew they'd need to know. If there wasn't a distinct difference, I don't believe God would have allowed those words to be written.

Secondly, He knew these last few days with Him would be what they remembered the most. He knew the intensity of emotion, the turmoil of the times, the heartache of what was to come would stay with them, so He knew love had to be blanketing the experience. He knew what He wanted them to remember.

And then He died on the cross for them. For us.

To the end, and beyond, He loved us more than anything!