Love One Another (2)

John 13:31–35 NIV

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Glorify

Lots of glory going on here. Father, Son, Son, Father. Glory, glory, glory. Some will see the cross as a radical defeat. Jesus is preparing us to see it as among the greatest victories ever won. God’s loving heart will be revealed to the world. The costliness of sin will be revealed to the world. The ultimate defeat of sin and death and hell will happen right before their eyes.

It’s the birth of being lifted up in the midst of tragedy. The most dramatic reversal in history. Glory lay ahead for Jesus and his Father. And all of us, thanks be to God!

A New Command

Brings together all of Jesus’ teaching in one glorious move

It’s always new because our human nature aims at self-protection

It’s a command-not an option. A challenge that is always before us

It protects the community and our witness to others...

Love One Another

Instead of judging, guide and encourage

Instead of fearing, trusting

Instead of debating, finding common ground

Instead of hating, knowing and loving

As I have loved you

what higher standard could there be?

yet, what more comforting words could there be?

Jesus loves us. So we can love others.