Verse of the Day
Friday, February 14, 2025
John 13:34-35
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Introduction
Love is at the heart of the Christian faith. In John 13:34-35, Jesus presents a profound and transformative commandment to His disciples. This instruction comes during the Last Supper, a moment filled with deep emotion and significance, as Jesus prepares His followers for His impending crucifixion. Unlike the many commandments found in the Law of Moses, this commandment is new because it is modeled directly after Jesus’ own love—selfless, sacrificial, and unwavering. These verses serve as a guiding principle for Christian identity, revealing that true discipleship is not merely about doctrinal correctness but about demonstrating Christ’s love to the world.
Commentary
Jesus refers to this instruction as a "new commandment," though love has always been central to God’s law (Leviticus 19:18). What makes it new is its foundation—“Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Jesus is not simply calling for kindness or general goodwill but for a love that mirrors His own. His love is marked by humility (as seen in the washing of the disciples' feet), sacrifice (His impending crucifixion), and boundless grace (even to those who betray or deny Him).
In verse 35, Jesus links love with discipleship: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”* The distinguishing mark of a Christian is not merely theological knowledge, religious practices, or moral superiority, but a love that reflects Christ. The world will recognize Jesus in His followers when they extend love in ways that defy human nature—loving the undeserving, forgiving the guilty, and serving selflessly.
Understanding Context
The setting of this passage is the Upper Room, where Jesus shares the Last Supper with His disciples. It is just before His betrayal and arrest, making His words even more poignant. He has just washed the disciples’ feet, modeling servant leadership, and now He gives them a commandment that defines what it means to follow Him.
This instruction is especially significant in light of Judas’ impending betrayal and Peter’s forthcoming denial. Jesus does not exclude these men from His love, showing that Christian love is not based on reciprocity but on divine grace. Furthermore, this commandment is given within the intimate community of believers, reinforcing that love among Christ’s followers is essential for the Church’s witness to the world.
Application for Today
1. Love as a Witness – In a world divided by conflict, hatred, and self-interest, Christ’s call to love remains revolutionary. Christians are not recognized by denominational labels or theological arguments but by their demonstration of love. How we treat others—especially fellow believers—either strengthens or weakens our witness to the world.
2. Love as Sacrifice – Jesus’ love was not conditional or convenient; it was sacrificial. Today, we are called to show love not only when it is easy but when it is costly—caring for the difficult, forgiving the hurtful, and serving the undeserving.
3. Love in Community – The Church is called to be a place where Christ-like love is evident. Do we uplift, encourage, and care for one another? Do our churches reflect the love of Christ to the point that outsiders recognize something divine at work?
4. Personal Reflection – Loving as Jesus loved is a high calling, but it is not impossible. The Holy Spirit enables believers to grow in love, shaping their hearts to reflect Christ’s character.
Reflection
As you consider Jesus’ words, ask yourself:
Is love the defining characteristic of my faith?
How do I demonstrate Christ’s love in my daily interactions?
Are there areas in my life where I struggle to love as Jesus did?
Love is more than an emotion—it is an action, a choice, and a reflection of Christ within us. May we live in such a way that the world unmistakably sees Jesus through the love we show to one another.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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