Jesus' Final Teachings

Traditionally, the Passover celebration is a time of joy. It is remembering how God set the people of Israel free, how God kept His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That night in the upper room, even though He knew what the next day would bring, Jesus speaks to His disciples of joy.

John 15:9–12 NIV84

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Jesus’ love for us

He chose us, just as He chose the first disciples

He ministered to their needs, taught them about God, was patient with them – the footwashing.

Laid down His life

Remaining in His love

Obeying His commands

Loving each other as He love us

The Old Testament taught: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)

Jesus gives a new standard by which we are to love – His example.

Humility, service, sacrifice

Results for us

His joy in us, our joy complete

Knowing we have done God’s will and pleased Him gives us joy

John 17:13 NIV84

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.

Later that evening Jesus would speak about the new role of the Holy Spirit who would come to dwell in them, and in us. He would be Jesus’ presence, would teach them, would empower them.

Pour God’s love into our hearts

Help us to become more like Christ

Develop the fruit of love and joy, among others

Love makes obedience a thing of joy!

To do the will of one we like to please

Is never hardship, though it tax our strength;

Each privilege of service love will seize!

Love makes us loyal, glad to do or go,

And eager to defend a name or cause;

Love takes the drudgery from common work,

And asks no rich reward or great applause.

Love gives us satisfaction in our task,

And wealth in learning lessons of the heart;

Love sheds a light of glory on our toil

And makes us humbly glad to have a part.

Love makes us choose to do the will of God,

To run His errands and proclaim His truth;

It gives our hearts an eager, lilting song;

Our feet are shod with tireless wings of youth!

Hazel Hartwell Simon