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You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
Jesus is continuing to speak. He will not be here much longer. All the things he is telling his disciples are important. In fact, he could of told them lots of things. But he didn't. He shared these words so we must conclude that these were the important things for those disciples at that time. In verse 3, Jesus clarifies who they are and who he is. He directly instructs them of their relationship with him. He gives them a framework to understand how their relationship fits together.
You are already clean. This is a pre-Cross view into their salvation. In bible times, "clean" meant healed of diseases and healed from the condition of a sinful nature. Their salvation would be secured for all of eternity at the cross and resurrection. Their sinful condition would be paid for at the cross. Jesus would die for the sins of these disciples and others through history who would believe and trust in His finished work on the cross.
We know from the whole of scripture that these men were clean because of the cross and resurrection. This verse seems to suggest something else. I like to look at it this way. It's all about Jesus!
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It was about Jesus when He called these men to follow him.
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It was about Jesus when He taught them.
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It was about Jesus when He revealed parts of his ministry and mission to them.
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It was about Jesus when He showed His divine power throughout many miracles and knowledge.
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It will be about Jesus when He makes the ultimate sacrifice for sin and has power over it.
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It will be about Jesus when these disciples carry on the mission.
They are already clean because what the Living Word, Jesus has spoken into them. It's not about what they do, it's about what Jesus has done and ultimately did on that first Easter.
God, we are often blessed by ways that you met us as we trusted Christ for the forgiveness of sins that He took on so we didn't have to pay the punishment. God, you blessed us by working in our lives before that day where we were so full and so freely forgiven. You continue your blessings by leading and using us. Help us never to forget each step where we experience your goodness that comes from being cleansed by you. AMEN
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