“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (Jn. 13:34).
We are still at the Passover meal with Jesus and His disciples. Jesus has just told them about His betrayal and impending death. He speaks of His death in terms of “glorification.” “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him” (13:31). It is at this point that He explains that He will have to leave them momentarily and they will be unable to accompany Him. The following context makes it clear that they do not understand the full importance of what He has just told them.
In this rarified setting, Jesus gives them a new commandment. This new commandment sounds simple on the surface but is profound and challenging. Not only are they called to love one another, but they are called to love each other “even as I have loved you.” Think about that for just a moment. What first comes to mind? Can you imagine a love that would prompt you to lay down your life for another?
John writes in greater detail about this new commandment to love in his letter First John. Take a moment and read 2:7-14 and 4:7-14. In several different ways John communicates the truth that one cannot claim to love God if he/she does not love his/her brother. Further, he indicates that such love must be modeled after the self-giving love of God.
Why is this commandment “to love” so critical that Jesus places it at the very heart of His final instructions to His earthly disciples. Because—“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (13:35). Sacrificial, self-giving, costly love is the essence of discipleship. It expresses the character of God expressed in His children.
Prayer: Father, let me learn to love others with the love You have loved me. Amen