John 13:31-35 is about Jesus revealing his ultimate act of love through his impending sacrifice on the cross, instructing his followers to love one another as he has loved them, which will serve as a visible demonstration of their discipleship to the world.
31 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 glorify him at once.
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so 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: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Setting the Scene for John 13:31-35
In John chapter 13, we find Jesus and his disciples gathered together in an upper room in Jerusalem to share the Passover meal. The room is dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a warm glow over the group as they recline at a low table, cushions supporting their bodies as they eat. The air is filled with the scent of roasted lamb and freshly baked bread, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and camaraderie.
Among the disciples present are Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Judas Iscariot. They have all followed Jesus faithfully, learning from his teachings and witnessing his miracles. As they share this final meal together before Jesus’ crucifixion, there is a sense of solemnity and anticipation in the room. Jesus, knowing what is to come, begins to speak to his disciples about love and unity, emphasizing the importance of loving one another as he has loved them.
In this poignant moment, Jesus sets the scene for a powerful lesson on servanthood and sacrificial love, washing his disciples’ feet as a symbol of humility and selflessness. He implores them to love one another deeply, just as he has loved them, so that the world may know they are his disciples. The room is filled with a sense of awe and reverence as Jesus imparts these profound words, leaving a lasting impact on his followers.
What is John 13:31-35 about?
Imagine being in a community where love is not just a feeling, but a deliberate action towards one another. Jesus, in this verse, calls his followers to show love as a mark of their devotion to Him. This kind of love goes beyond just words; it requires genuine care and action towards others. Can you envision a world where individuals love each other deeply, not just in words but in deeds and truth? Reflect on how you show love to those around you as a teacher. Are your actions reflecting this commandment from Jesus? How can you tangibly demonstrate love to your friends, family, and even strangers, in a way that truly reflects the love of Christ? Let’s explore how we can make love our defining trait, just as Jesus instructed His disciples.
Understanding what John 13:31-35 really means
- Introduction
- In the Gospel of John, we find Jesus sharing profound truths with His disciples in a moment of great significance. Following Judas’ departure to betray Him, Jesus imparts a crucial message that resonates through the ages.
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At the heart of this passage lies a pivotal teaching – a new commandment that encapsulates the essence of Christ’s ministry and the core of Christian living.
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Key Phrases and Their Meanings
- “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” Here, Jesus foretells His impending crucifixion as a moment of ultimate glory, where His obedience to God’s will shines brightly.
- “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.” This revolutionary command sets a higher standard of love, modeled after Christ’s sacrificial and unconditional love for humanity.
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“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus emphasizes that genuine love among believers is the hallmark of true discipleship, a visible sign of their faith.
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Related Bible Passages
- Drawing from 1 John 4:7-8, we see love portrayed as a divine attribute, reflecting God’s very nature. Those who embody love demonstrate their intimate knowledge of God.
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Matthew 22:37-39 reinforces the centrality of love in the Christian faith, highlighting the dual commandments to love God wholeheartedly and to love others as oneself.
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Relevance to People Today
- In a world marred by strife and discord, the call to love one another stands as a beacon of hope and unity.
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Love, as a distinguishing characteristic of believers, has the power to bridge divides and draw others to the transformative message of Christ.
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Anecdote
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Consider a town ravaged by a natural disaster, where the local church emerges as a source of unwavering love and support. Through acts of kindness, selflessness, and compassion, the church members not only aid in the community’s recovery but also bear witness to the transformative power of love. Their actions become a modern-day testament to the impact of loving one another as Christ loved us.
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Conclusion
- Jesus’ directive to love one another transcends time and culture, calling believers to embody His selfless love in a world hungry for genuine compassion.
- As we embrace this commandment, we not only fulfill Christ’s mandate but also radiate His love to a broken world, becoming living testimonies of His grace and truth.
How can we love one another as Jesus loves us?
We can love one another as Jesus loves us by following His example of sacrificial love and putting others’ needs before our own. We can serve one another with humility and compassion, seeking to uplift and encourage those around us, just as Jesus humbly washed His disciples’ feet. We demonstrate our love for others as Jesus commanded by showing selfless love and kindness to them.
Furthermore, we can love one another by forgiving and showing grace to those who have wronged us. Jesus forgave those who crucified Him and prayed for their forgiveness, setting an example of unconditional love and mercy. When we choose to forgive and let go of grudges, we mirror the forgiving love of Jesus and create an atmosphere of peace and unity among believers. We can love one another by building each other up and encouraging one another in our faith. We can uplift and support our brothers and sisters in Christ, helping them grow in their relationship with the Lord, just as Jesus encouraged His disciples and equipped them for their ministry. We fulfill Jesus’ command to love one another as He loves us by spurring one another on in love and good deeds.
Application
Think of love like the energy that fuels your busiest days. Christ’s command to love others, like He loved us, is your blueprint. This isn’t optional; it’s your core mission. Show that love in every task, every gesture, every interaction. Reach out to someone sincerely today. How will you power up someone’s life with Christ-like love today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.