John 13:31-35 - Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; 32 if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 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 will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Judas just left dinner to betray Jesus. The disciples are looking around trying to figure out all this betrayal stuff out. Then Jesus, knowing the cross is coming faster than ever now, speaks to the remaining eleven.
He has their full attention as He discusses His time being up and how He'll be leaving them shortly. He doesn't go back over all His previous teachings. He doesn't give a recap of miracles, scriptures, or summary of their time together. He instead uses this very moment to give a new commandment.
John 13:34-35
34 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 will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
Christian, let this really sink in. The rollercoaster of events leading to the cross has now reached the peak of the highest hill. The lift chain has just stopped its clank, clank, clank, upward pull, and it is the split-second pause looking down before the plunge… This is where Jesus' ministry and life sat, and He chose this moment to give His closest disciples a new commandment. This was the highest priority command to be given, at the peak moment before the betrayal, arrest, lies, deceitful proceedings, beatings, lashings, mocking, torture, ridicule, and murder. Pay close attention as we hear it again...
"LOVE ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, THAT YOU ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. BY THIS ALL WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER." -- Jesus, Christ, Son of God, The Word, The Way, The Truth, The Life, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Master, Teacher, Friend.
Beloved, based on this commandment from the very mouth of God, how many people know you're His disciple?
Don't deceive yourself, really stop and think on this, pray on it, talk to a Christian brother or sister who will tell you the truth. Can this world see you are a disciple of Jesus Christ through the way you love your brothers and sisters?
Just some deep things to think about this Thursday morning. Don't take my word on a single thing through. Please I beg you. Go to the Word of God yourself, talk to Him yourself in prayer. Let Him show you directly!
You are loved. You are prayed over. You are not alone.
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