Re: Verse reading–John 13:1-17; 31-38 (day one)
“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end”–v 1. It is a strange sentence (in Greek, if not in English). Theologically evocative. The NASV translates it, “He loved the to the end”. End of time? End of His life? The word actually means the end of God’s plan and purpose. “Telios” means finished product or completed project. So, the NIV translates it “He loved them to the full extent”, never surrendering any part of His goal for His people. Hebrews 7:25 uses a form of the same noun. “Therefore, He is able to save to the uttermost (telios–completely, in accordance with all that He planned) those who come to God through him, because He always lives to intercede for them.” Wow! A love that never quits. Never retreats. Never makes concessions. He keeps loving us until His perfect purpose is achieved in us! He loves us to the end.
