34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35 (NIV)
I’ve always tried to be extra generous with the phrase “I love you” to my boys. Not just at bedtime when the last hugs are given for the day, or in the morning when I get to drop them off at school or work, but at the most random and awkward times, too. When they were a little younger than they are today I would smile and occasionally ask them, “Do you know I love you?” and they would reply, “Yes.” Which of course necessitated the follow-up question from me, “How do you know?” And with a slight hint of an eye roll and maybe a dash of annoyance, they would respond with, “Because you tell us every day.”
Our Scripture text today is a little odd because Jesus is telling His disciples that He’s giving them a brand-new command. But is it really new? I mean, after all, they already know that all the Old Testament law and the prophets could be summed up with what we refer to as the great commandments: “…Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:34-40). Those commandments are based on love, and loving one another is the same as loving our neighbor, so how is this new commandment from Jesus different?
In my mind, I can see the disciples in the upper room with a slight hint of an eye roll as Jesus talks about love…again. I can imagine the thought going through their minds: “Hey Jesus, we’ve heard you talk about love every day…we get it.” And then those 5 words completely changed the entire room – “As I have loved you…”
These disciples had been walking and living closely with Jesus for the past 3 years and they saw this love in action. They witnessed the love of Jesus being no respecter of persons, backgrounds, or financial status. They observed the humility and compassion that was poured out to all. They noticed the selflessness and proximity that Jesus exemplified daily. They saw a love that was patient and kind, and a love that was firm and not afraid of difficult circumstances or conversations. They saw love bring healing, deliverance, and forgiveness. They saw love on display even when it wasn’t reciprocated.
I think the real understanding of this new command came after Jesus’ death and resurrection when they reflected back on this day in the upper room. It was later that they realized to love like Jesus means to sit at the table and share a meal with the people who doubt you, deny you, and betray you. To love like Jesus means to take on the posture of a lowly servant, kneeling down and getting your hands dirty – even if it means washing filthy feet. To love like Jesus means loving sacrificially – giving all of yourself for the sake of others, many of whom don’t care, notice, or appreciate it. Loving like Jesus means being willing to die in order that others may live.
So, how will my boys truly know I love them? Not by simply saying it to them every chance I get, but by loving them and all those around me like Jesus every day. How will our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers know that we are true followers of Jesus Christ? Not because we say we love Him, but when the example of our lives resembles the love of Jesus. And if we want the whole world to know then we must ask the Holy Spirit to do a new thing in us so that the love of Jesus that’s transformed our hearts can flow through our hands.
During this 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, what new thing does Jesus need to do in you so that you can obey His new commandment?
Take some time to reflect on the examples and descriptions of Jesus’ love mentioned above (and others that may come to your mind) and confess the areas where you have fallen short. Ask for forgiveness knowing that you are still loved. Ask Him to birth His love in you and to give you opportunities this week to put His love into practice.