“A new
commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that
you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if
you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 NKJ)
commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that
you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if
you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 NKJ)
Over a thousand
years after Christ’s ascension, Francis of Assisi heard a sermon on Matthew 10
where Jesus commissions his disciples to go on their first evangelism campaign.
He tells them to carry no money, no suitcase, no extra shoes, not even a walking
stick. His emphasis: they were God’s workers and God would provide for them.
This sermon inspired Francis, who devoted himself to a life of poverty and
service to others. His philosophy of ministry became “Let every deed be a
sermon.” He wanted everyone to know he was Christ’s disciple.
years after Christ’s ascension, Francis of Assisi heard a sermon on Matthew 10
where Jesus commissions his disciples to go on their first evangelism campaign.
He tells them to carry no money, no suitcase, no extra shoes, not even a walking
stick. His emphasis: they were God’s workers and God would provide for them.
This sermon inspired Francis, who devoted himself to a life of poverty and
service to others. His philosophy of ministry became “Let every deed be a
sermon.” He wanted everyone to know he was Christ’s disciple.
Today’s passage
refers to a time just prior to the Lord’s final hours in Jerusalem. The Twelve
had been in turmoil over which of them would get the highest leadership
position. Their relationships were strained by anxiety and apprehension.
Compassion and love was slowly ebbing away from them.
refers to a time just prior to the Lord’s final hours in Jerusalem. The Twelve
had been in turmoil over which of them would get the highest leadership
position. Their relationships were strained by anxiety and apprehension.
Compassion and love was slowly ebbing away from them.
It became evident to
the Lord that jealousy and anger among his disciples were competing with his
example of love. And without his intervention, they would be overcome by their
envy. So, Jesus challenged them with a “new commandment: “Love one another
like I have loved you.”
the Lord that jealousy and anger among his disciples were competing with his
example of love. And without his intervention, they would be overcome by their
envy. So, Jesus challenged them with a “new commandment: “Love one another
like I have loved you.”
Our Lord knew that
his time on this earth was finished and his disciples needed to remember the
most important issue. And even more importantly, they needed to influence
others in a way that would not be forgotten. His impartial love for each of
them would be indelibly tattooed on their hearts. Their love for each other
must therefore impact their world. “If you love one another, all will know
that you are my disciples.”
his time on this earth was finished and his disciples needed to remember the
most important issue. And even more importantly, they needed to influence
others in a way that would not be forgotten. His impartial love for each of
them would be indelibly tattooed on their hearts. Their love for each other
must therefore impact their world. “If you love one another, all will know
that you are my disciples.”
Dear Father, thank
you loving us and giving us your Son to take away our sin. Empower us to love
each other so that the world will know we are your disciples. I pray this in
the name of Jesus. AMEN
you loving us and giving us your Son to take away our sin. Empower us to love
each other so that the world will know we are your disciples. I pray this in
the name of Jesus. AMEN
Show Jesus today:
love one another,
love one another,