"Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant." Apparently, Judas was not an obvious traitor. The other disciples did not suspect that it would be him. There is a similar surprise when a Christian leader falls publicly. It happens and it is catastrophic. It is devastating. I am sure that Jesus is "troubled in spirit" by this also.
Jesus gives the disciples "a new command". "A new command I give you: Love one another." This doesn't seem like a new command. It was certainly part of the existing law. Something new was the way that Jesus modeled love: "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." And shortly he would model it on the cross. Jesus commands us to love each other sacrificially. He will repeat this command in John 15:12 ("My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.") and then in 15:17.
What will be the mark of a disciple of Jesus? "if you love one another." (v13:35)
How do we show our love for Jesus? "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (v14:15).
At the end of this gospel, Jesus commands Peter this again after Peter had denied Jesus. "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" Peter says yes and then Jesus commands him "Feed my lambs"; "Take care of my sheep"; "Feed my sheep".
The message is clear - that Jesus expects his followers to live lives that are best characterized by love for others.
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When I read about this new commandment to love I can't help but think of Jesus' example. The disciples feet were no doubt dirty. Jesus does not merely say to them "Did you notice your feet are dirty" or "My gosh your feet are dirty" or "Go clean your dirty feet" (he also did not gossip to his "select" disciples about how dirty some of the others feet were). He knelt down and took action. Love is an action word. I think many Christians, myself included, stand around thinking or telling people what they should do. Jesus, literally, comes alongside and meets an immediate need, through action, through love.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to truly love like Jesus commands v35 states that my testimony will be known to all.
Finally it has to be a commandment. A pastor at church has stated that the reason we are commanded is because we are NOT inclined. Lord incline my heart to be like yours, help me to Love others as you have Loved me.