In the final hours before His arrest, Jesus shifted His disciples’ focus from fear to purpose. A New Command of Love though the cross was near. His heart was fixed on preparing them — and us — for the life of love that would define true discipleship. In John 13:31–35, Jesus gives a command that is both simple and world-changing.
📖 “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.”
(John 13:34–35, NIV)
Jesus had just washed their feet, Judas had just left to betray Him, and the shadow of the cross was already falling — yet Jesus spoke of glory. Why? Because His coming sacrifice would reveal God’s deepest love and launch His disciples into a new kind of life.
Then Jesus offered a new command, not because love was new, but because the measure of love had changed. No longer would they love others merely as themselves — now they were to love as Christ loved them:
selflessly, sacrificially, faithfully, and without condition.
This love would become the defining evidence of belonging to Jesus. Not miracles. Not sermons. Not knowledge.
Love.
Clarifies true discipleship — Following Jesus means loving like Jesus.
Calls us to sacrificial love — Not convenience, but commitment; not feelings, but action.
Strengthens the Church — Division dies where Christlike love lives.
Reveals Christ to the world — People recognize Jesus through the love His followers show.
Practice sacrificial love
Serve, forgive, and care for others even when it costs something.
Love beyond comfort zones
Reach people who are difficult, overlooked, or different from you.
Reflect Christ’s character
Let your words, choices, and attitudes show Jesus to others.
Be a source of unity
Where there is conflict, be the one who listens, reconciles, and brings peace.
John 13:31–35 reminds us that the Christian life is rooted not in ritual, but in relationship — with God and with one another. Jesus loved us to the uttermost, and He calls us to follow His example.
📖 “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.”
(John 13:34–35, NIV)
✨ When we love like Jesus, the world sees Jesus — through us.
