Friday 28th November
Read John 13:34-35
“‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” (NIVUK)
Within a hundred years of the death and resurrection of Jesus a bishop in the Roman Empire was commenting on the challenges of following Jesus in a pagan, unbelieving world. He argued that Christians offend pagans because of their love for one another. “It is mainly the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to put a brand upon us. See how they love one another… how they are ready even to die for one another” (Tertullian).
The offensiveness of the faith was bound up in the shame and conviction it prompted in the hearts of those who loved darkness and the selfish impulses it encouraged.
Jesus would go on to prepare His disciples for the consequences of their love for one another that very night…
“This is my command: love each other.18 ‘If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” (John 15:17-21) (NIVUK)
Is our love for each other a convicting witness to the words and deeds of our Master?
