Love

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:34-35, NASB)

This is another excerpt from the Apostle John’s report on the dissertations of Jesus Christ during the Passover Seder/Last Supper.  “The Apostle who Jesus loved” was an eye witness to the whole event, and was likely aided by the Holy Spirit (the Helper) at some later time in documenting this event and John’s entire Gospel. 

Earlier in Chapter 13, John tells the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.  It’s a lesson in humility and service to one another.  Imagine a god stooping down to wash his subjects’ feet.  But that’s exactly what happened:  God in the flesh, by Whom and for Whom the universe was created, was performing this act as an example to His disciples.  Jesus told them that in the future, they should wash each other’s feet as an act of service and humility.
Now in the text above, Jesus continues this theme by giving the disciples a new commandment, “that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  Why?  Jesus says, “By this all men will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”   

John 13:34 image.  Found at https://sermonquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/new-command.png

Jesus is all about love.  He had previously told people that the Greatest Commandment is to love God with all one’s being; and second, to love one’s neighbor as himself/herself.  He wants His disciples (including us!) to reflect that love.  Jesus’ disciples were soon going to go out in the world to spread the Gospel.  It wouldn’t do to have them bickering and fighting.  Nobody is attracted to that.  It’s the same with our churches today.  People will leave the instant they see conflict. 

Jesus thought this theme so important, He repeated the message later that evening:  “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friend.”  And later, “This I command you, that you love one another.”  (John 15:12-13, 17)

Disciples of Jesus are commanded to love God and love other people.  Jesus especially commands His people to love each other.  “By this all men will know that you are My disciples.”  Even with ALS, I can still love God and love other people.  People come to me in my bedroom, and I go to doctor’s appointments.  I contact people via email or text messaging.  I still have the opportunity to spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ!