“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” –John 13:34-35
Eph. 5:2 tells us to “walk in love” and explains what that means by setting forth Christ as our example. Searching the scriptures we find numerous examples of our Lord’s love, but none serve the purpose better than what we see in John 13. There we see that His love is —
I. SURE
He not only declared His love, He demonstrated it. No honest observer of his life and sacrifice can deny His love. “Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” ( Rom. 5:6-8).
II. SELFLESS
The picture of Him washing the disciples feet (13:6-15) speaks volumes. It begins with Him laying aside His garments (13:4). In that we see a picture of His condescension, where He laid aside heaven’s glory and came down to this sin cursed earth (Phil.2:5-10). Never has there ever been such a perfect picture of humility. Had that been all He ever did it would have been more than what anyone else has ever done. But there is more! His love is-
III. SERVING
To think of Jesus washing their feet, Judas included, boggles the mind. Think about it — the Lord of glory stooping down to wash the soiled stinking feet of those who were not thoughtful enough to wash His. That’s why we call grace “amazing”. God’s love is bestowed upon the undeserving. Had this been the only example of His selfless love it would be amazing, but there are many others. He went about doing good and meeting needs throughout His life.
IV. SANCTIFYING
The effect of the Lord’s love is seen in the fact that it changed His followers. Peter said, “I will lay down my life for thy sake” (13:37), and eventually He and others did just that. The change Jesus made in those men is astounding. Thankfully He still changes lives today. His work for us and in us results in His work through us ( 2 Cor. 5:14-18).
V. STEADFAST
At the very beginning of this chapter we are told this – “having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end”. Although they failed him repeatedly he never stopped loving them. There were times when they were out of His will, but they were never out of His love.
In this lesson on love from the life of the Lord we see what is expected from us. He says, “love one another; as I have loved you” ( 13:34). And looking at His life there is no room for doubt as to how we are to love others. May God help us to strip ourselves of sinful pride and take our place as lowly servants, lovingly ministering to them. That is the badge of discipleship. As Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” ( 13:35). –HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
