Thursday 27th 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)
How is this ‘new’? Before that evening’s meal and extensive conversation Jesus had already made clear what the first and greatest commandment was…
“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ 37 Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:36-40) (NIVUK)
From of old the centrality of love was known, commanded in the Torah. The ‘new’ command then is directly related to the example Jesus has set that night by washing their feet and will demonstrate over the next 24 hours on the cross. ‘As I have loved you…’ (v34). Self-sacrificial love is the fullest expression of love for God and neighbour. It is a benchmark we will never fully live up to, but the attempt is at the heart of the Christian faith and the definition of discipleship.
