A New Commandment

John 13:34-35 ESV

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Why would Jesus say that this is a “new commandment,” love is always the great commandment? In this context, Jesus is setting a standard, that we should love one another just as He loved. That is great thing to ask of His disciples, after all Jesus had just washed His disciples feet, showing Himself to be one who serves. He was about to be beaten, bruised, mocked and His body torn for our salvation. He was then going to be hung on the cross and suffer and die that all mankind could be saved and set free from the power of sin. His love is the greatest form of love to be given.

So, when Jesus says that He gives us a new commandment, this commandment to love is a refreshed, revitalized, and restored commandment that has to be performed and given every day under any and all circumstances. Yes we are reminded every day afresh and anew to love one another just like Jesus has loved us. Replicate His love for one another.

Prayer:

Lord, at times when we feel hurt by circumstances caused by others, our natural tendency is to protect ourselves becoming less vulnerable. In Your case Lord, when You were falsely accused and abused, You still loved and You never wavered in Your love and forgiveness and in Your quest. Teach us to be the same as You were and are. Today, we receive Your commandment to love as You have loved, afresh and anew. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!