Biblical Community

Biblical Community in John 13:34-35

Passage: John 13:34-35

Theme: Biblical Community that Shows the Glory of God

I. Introduction: Understanding Biblical Community

Definition of Biblical Community: A community that reflects Jesus by mutual love, unity, and service.

Context of the Passage:

Jesus speaks these words during the Last Supper, moments before His betrayal and crucifixion.

These words are a direct command to His disciples about how they should relate to one another.

The context highlights the importance of love in establishing and maintaining Christian community.

II. Jesus' Command: "A New Commandment" (John 13:34)

"A new commandment I give to you" (v.34)

This command is not new in the sense that love is a new concept (it’s found in the Old Testament, e.g., Leviticus 19:18), but the way Jesus is calling His followers to love is a new, sacrificial standard (cf. John 13:15).

"Love one another" (v.34)

A call to active, intentional love, not just emotional affection.

Love as the defining characteristic of Christian community.

Key Point: This is not merely a feeling but an action—serving, forgiving, and sacrificially caring for one another.

"Just as I have loved you" (v.34)

The standard of love: Jesus' love for His disciples is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional, and unconditional.

Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) is a tangible expression of this love—serving the least, humbling Himself for others.

III. The Result: A Witness to the World (John 13:35)

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples" (v.35)

The distinguishing mark of a disciple is not doctrinal precision, miraculous signs, or external rituals, but love.

Love as a testimony: Our love for each other serves as a visible witness to the world of God's love and presence.

"If you have love for one another" (v.35)

The love believers have for each other is not just a private affair but a public testimony.

The world will see our unity, kindness, and service to one another and be drawn to the gospel.

IV. The Meaning of This Command for Biblical Community

Love as the Foundation of Community

The community of believers is centered on love, not on shared interests, race, culture, or social status.

Love should permeate every interaction within the church community, including conflict resolution, forgiveness, and acts of service.

Sacrificial Love

This love is costly—it calls believers to sacrifice their time, resources, preferences, and even rights for the good of others.

Community isn’t built on convenience, but on sacrificial love, just as Christ demonstrated.

Unity in Diversity

Love helps to create unity in the church, despite differences in background, opinion, or personality.

True biblical community doesn’t ignore differences but seeks to embrace them in the context of biblical love.

A Testimony to the World

A loving community attracts others to Christ.

The way believers love one another can either draw people to the gospel or cause them to reject it, depending on whether the love reflects Christ's nature.

V. Practical Applications

Evaluate Your Relationships:

Are you actively loving others in your church community, especially those who may be difficult to love?

How can you serve someone in the community who might need it today?

Create a Culture of Love:

Encourage a culture in your church where love is the primary motivation for every action and decision.

Practice hospitality, forgiveness, and humility.

Witness to the World Through Love:

How can your church become a stronger witness to the surrounding community through its love?

Consider outreach opportunities where love for one another can be visibly demonstrated to outsiders.

VI. Conclusion: A Call to Action

Reaffirm the centrality of love in Christian community—both as a command from Jesus and as the means by which the world will recognize believers as His disciples.

Challenge the group to live out this command in practical, everyday ways—being a community that is deeply rooted in sacrificial love.