Show Me Some Love: The Final Word in Relationships

John 13:34–35 ESV

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

Introduction

We each have heard this phrase at some point and time in our lives: “Show me some love.”

Maybe it was from a friend needing encouragement. Maybe it came from a family member who felt overlooked. Maybe you heard it in passing on the street—“Come on, man, show me some love!”

It’s a way of saying, “Notice me. Appreciate me. Value me. Care for me.” And in many ways, that’s exactly what Jesus was saying to His disciples in John 13.

The setting is the Upper Room. Jesus has washed His disciples’ feet, showing them humility and service. Judas has gone out into the night to betray Him. The shadow of the cross is near. And in that moment, Jesus gives His disciples what I call the final word on relationships in the Kingdom: “Love one another, just as I have loved you.”

This isn’t just another command to add to the list. It’s the foundation, the heartbeat, the mark of all godly relationships. If we miss this, we miss the essence of what it means to follow Jesus.

Exegetical Idea: Jesus commands His disciples to embody love as the defining mark of Kingdom relationships. Homiletical Idea (Big Idea): Godly relationships in the Kingdom are built and sustained by Christlike love.

Love Defines Kingdom Identity (v. 34a)

John 13:34 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. . .

This doesn’t seem new at first. Leviticus 19:18 already commanded Israel: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But Jesus calls it new (kainēn entolēn)—not new in time, but in quality. The old command was based on reciprocity—love your neighbor as yourself. The new command is based on imitation—love one another as I have loved you.

Leviticus 19:18 ESV

18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

In the Greco-Roman world, identity was tied to social class, citizenship, or family honor. For the Jews, identity was in the keeping of the Law. But Jesus shifts it. He says the identity of His followers is love. Love becomes the badge of discipleship.

Application

That means our identity is not in our denominational tag, not in how long we’ve been at church, not in our titles. It’s in how we love.

Relationships break down when identity is in ego, position, or background. But Kingdom identity is built on love.

Illustration: Think of a basketball jersey. What identifies a player is the name and number on their chest. For the Christian, the “jersey” we wear is love. If people can’t see love, they can’t see who we really play for.

Transition: But Jesus doesn’t just say “love one another.” He shows us what that love looks like.

Love Demonstrates Christ’s Example (v. 34b)

John 13:34 ESV

34 …just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

The standard is raised: as I have loved you.

Jesus loved sacrificially, serving His disciples by washing their feet (John 13:1–17). He loved patiently, forgiving Peter even though he would deny Him. He loved unconditionally, extending kindness even to Judas.

John 15:13 ESV

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

The Greek word agapē (ἀγάπη) means love that seeks another’s good, even at cost to self. It’s not about feelings—it’s about faithfulness.

Disciples of other rabbis were expected to imitate their teacher’s teaching. Jesus calls His disciples to imitate His love.

Application

In relationships, this means forgiving when wronged, serving when it’s inconvenient, and loving people who don’t “deserve” it.

It means we love our spouse when they disappoint us, love our friends when they fail us, and love our church members even when they frustrate us.

Illustration: LeBron James is praised as one of the greatest not just because he scores, but because he makes others better. He sacrifices, assists, and invests in his teammates. That’s what Christlike love looks like—elevating others, not just yourself.

Transition: And here’s the beauty—when we live out that kind of love, the world takes notice.

Love Displays Kingdom Witness (v. 35)

John 13:35 ESV

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The Roman world was divided by class, race, and social rank. Yet in the early church, Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, rich and poor gathered together as one family. Outsiders couldn’t ignore it. Historical records show pagans looking in on Christians and saying, “Behold how they love one another.”

Notice: Jesus says, all people will know. Love is not only an internal bond—it is an external testimony. Love became their greatest apologetic.

Application

Today, the world doesn’t need more church fights, divisions, or cliques. They need to see love that crosses boundaries, cancels debts, and covers offenses. The world isn’t convinced by our arguments, but by our love.

Love in your home preaches louder than arguments.

Love in friendships heals faster than explanations.

Love in church attracts more than programs.

Illustration:

Transition: So Jesus says—your identity is defined by love, your example is His love, and your witness is proven through love.

Conclusion

So relationships in the Kingdom aren’t about “It’s you” or “It’s me.” They’re about Him.

And I don’t know about you, but I’m glad that when Jesus saw my faults, He still loved me. He didn’t wait until I had it together. He didn’t wait until I was perfect. He loved me at the cross.

He loved me enough to die… He loved me enough to be buried… He loved me enough to rise again on the third day!

That’s the love that builds marriages. That’s the love that mends friendships. That’s the love that strengthens churches.

So love your neighbor! Love your family! Love your friends! Love your enemies! Because love lifted me!

And if love lifted me at the cross— Love will lift your home! Love will lift your marriage! Love will lift this church!

Do you know Him? Do you love Him? Ain’t He all right? Say yes! Yes! Yes