John 13:34-35 34A new commandment I give to you, in order that you might love one another; just as I have loved you, so also you should love one another. 35By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
These verses may seem out of place following the topic of glory in the previous verses, but the connection may be significant. Jesus had just stated again the connection between the Father, himself, and disciples. The disciples did not know at that time how Jesus would bring glory to the Father, but over time, they came to realize that the greatest way for Jesus to glorify the Father was to die on the cross for the sins of the world. This gift of his life was the greatest example of servanthood and greatest expression of love. Jesus had just called his disciples to wash one another’s feet as a representation of their humble servant to one another. In these next verses, he calls them to love one another. Serving and loving can best be seen on the cross. Jesus will explain more about how his disciples ought to love one another in 15:9-16.
Jesus expresses his call for them to love one another as a new commandment. In one sense, the command to love was not new, since the Old Testament called for loving God (Deuteronomy 6:5) and loving one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). The new aspect of love can be seen in the standard: as I have loved you. Jesus set the example of love (agape). His love went beyond the Old Testament commands and went as far as to offer up his own life freely for others. The greatest form of love is to forfeit one’s life for the good of another. There are many ways to show this type of love that will not go to the extreme of losing one’s life. Jesus gave one simple example of washing someone’s feet as an example of humble service, doing something for the good of another even if it means lowering ourselves. Love requires setting aside selfishness, pride, and arrogance and putting the needs of others first. The command is simple and easy to understand but difficult to live out with only human effort, which is why the Father’s and Son’s gift of the Holy Spirit is needed to carry out this command.
Love was to be the primary mark of the disciples after Jesus departed. Outsiders or unbelievers should be able to identify Jesus’ followers by how they treat others. The relationship of love between the Father and Son should set the example for the relationship of believers to one another (14:31; 15:10). the theme of love becomes central in the following chapters as Jesus fills out how this command should be lived out and what resources believers might have. Disciples are to follow the highest standard exemplified by Jesus himself. There is no greater command than to love.
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