Scripture:
[23] One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Observation:
1) This was John speaking of himself but each disciple could have said the same thing – I am the disciple whom Jesus loves.
2) Jesus continually displayed His love for others. Following the new commandment – to love one another as He loves us – shows that we are truly disciples of Christ, separating us from non-Christians and from those who hear the Word but the seed does not fall on fertile ground.
Application:
1) This is beautiful because we can all say this too – I am the one whom Jesus loves. That’s a wonderful feeling!
2) “Love one another. As I have loved you..” – This is not just loving others enough to share the Gospel and but lives, or loving others as we love ourselves, it’s a much higher standard of love – loving others as Christ loves us. This love is a choice, it feels the pain of others, it is unconditional and it is sacrificial. This is a high bar and speaking for myself, I can tell you that I sometimes find it difficult to live up to that standard. Even with my failures, as I try to be more and more like Jesus, I’m committed to try and love others as He loves us.
Prayer:
Lord thank you for loving us as You do. Thank you that I can say I am one you love. Help me to love others with the same consistent, comprehensive, sacrificial love You have for us.