Scripture to Read: John 13:34–35
Jesus reminds His disciples what is of first importance, as He says in John 13:34–35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus tells the eleven that this is a new commandment, but we know that Jesus had already said in Matthew 22:37–40 that the greatest commandment was to love “God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and that the second greatest commandment was, “‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But now, the disciples had a living example of what genuine love looked like in action. They had experienced Jesus’ love for them firsthand and watched how Jesus loved others. So, when Jesus told them to love each other as He had loved them they knew exactly what they must do. Jesus’ command is for us as well. Though Jesus does not live here in the flesh, we have His Word, and we know how Jesus loved. We must love each other in the same way, and here is why: Jesus made it clear that as we love each other in the way He loves us, everyone will know that we belong to Him. People need to know Jesus as their Lord and loving others as He loves us shows others how much Jesus loves them. We must love everyone well so that all have the opportunity to know our King.
Challenge & Application
• What are some ways you experience the love of our Lord each day?
• How do you show the love of Christ to those around you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!