Sunday 18 May 2025
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." (v. 34)
Background
This passage is the beginning in John's Gospel of what has come to be known as ‘the farewell discourses'. Jesus is aware that his time with his disciples is short and he must do all he can to prepare them for what will happen in Jerusalem and for life after he is no longer with them.
Jesus takes advantage of Judas' going out into the darkness and seeks to bring the other 11 disciples closer to him. This passage and the next three chapters of John are very personal. In verse 31 Jesus talks about "the Son of Man being glorified", referring to himself. It is only the second time he has said this and there is a heightened anticipation that everything is rushing on to its climax.
Jesus is overwhelmed by the fact that he is about to leave his disciples. He is aware that they have learnt so little and is concerned about how they will cope without him. So, he gives them one seemingly simple command, a new commandment, "Love one another as I have loved you." (v. 34)
The command to love is not new, it can be found in the Old Testament. What is new is the change in the type and depth of this love. It should be a love that reflects Jesus’ own love as displayed in his ministry of compassion and service. It is a self-giving love which goes to the very limits.
To Ponder:
- Cast your minds back over the long history of the Church and consider examples of when the Church has acted in ways very different from this command that Jesus gave his followers.
- As you think of the church group/congregation to which you belong, how far have people been able to live up to this standard of loving set by Jesus?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we give thanks that you sent Jesus to live our life and die our death. Your love for us knew no limits even to the death of your son. Help us, we pray, to understand the depth of your love for us so that we, in turn, may love others. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Jennifer Potter
Jennifer is a supernumerary minister living in the Croydon Circuit. She works as a part-time chaplain at the local MHA (Methodist Home for the Aged). She was previously a minister at Wesley’s Chapel in London.