October 11, 2021 – John 13:34-35

“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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.

“Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another!” This one phrase stops us in our tracks as we ask, ‘How DID Jesus love?’  He came to this earth, leaving His Home in Heaven to earth. The disciples He taught, one would betray Him in the garden to be crucified.  Impetuous Peter said he would lay down his life for Jesus, and yet, when Peter saw following Jesus, he denied knowing Jesus.

Jesus healed the lame and the blind. He raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus forgave sins. Even as the soldiers prepared to end His life, He forgave.  And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34.

O God, our Father, I pray that you humble my heart and teach me to love like Jesus loves. Help me to love others, so they will know I belong wholly to You! Deepen my understanding and love like Jesus loves. I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.

No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. I John 4:12-13.

Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. John 13:37-38.