Dear Explorer,
We looked at Matthew, Mark and Luke's account of the Last Supper, let's look at John's record. It adds even more details. It also includes teachings of Jesus that are not recorded anywhere else. These are some of the last teachings of Jesus and they form an important foundation for our life as followers.
Read John 13:31-35
Let's get the context. When who was gone?
Jesus then seems to talk in riddles in John 13:31-32. I believe that Jesus is talking more to Himself than to the disciples. But if I may take the liberty of interpretation. I believe when Judas left the room, Jesus sighed a big sigh and said,
Okay, let's get this thing done. I came to earth to do a job, and now it's finally time. I only must get through the cross – keeping my eyes on the Father, and then it's done – salvation will be purchased for the entire world and my job will be completed. I just want to glorify the Father by being faithful! Then all will glorify me!
What does the word glorify mean?
You'll find two meanings in the dictionary. One is to worship God in adoration, the other is to wrongly deify or unjustly praise. I don't think it's the 2nd meaning!
What is the new command that Jesus gives us?
What did Jesus say would be the result of our obedience to this command?
Did you know that this is the ONLY command that we as followers of Jesus have been given?
John later writes in another book: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8 NASB)
God is love. He is the source of all love. Without God there is no love. Any evidence of love in this world is because of God. There is no other source.
In Galatians 5:22, we see that love is a fruit of the Spirit. If the Holy Spirit has filled your empty center and you are being obedient to His instructions -- then love will be a fruit or a visible result.
I believe that this new command of Jesus is for you and me to show love in such a way that others take note and recognize that we have Jesus living inside of us.
Do you think when others look at your relationship with your family or your friends or your Bible study group that they see love?
The longer you follow Jesus, the greater your love for the people around you should grow. Then others will be able to see Jesus in you.
Read John 13:36-38
Jesus was preparing to die and then go to Heaven. He told the disciples that they could not come at this time but would join Him later. That's a precious promise that we can depend on, if we have invited Him into our God-shaped vacuum. We will be with Him forever and forever.
We'll discuss Peter's denial of Jesus later.
In His service, dale
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