Love God, Love People Week 3
Welcome to Week Three of our Embrace the Word study, Love God, Love People. Last week, we looked at the foundation of God’s love for us. This week, we are looking at the Pattern: how Jesus perfectly embodied the command to love.
The Character of Christ
The context of our key verses is so important. In John 13, we meet Jesus and His disciples in the Upper Room.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
This was not the first time that the disciples would have heard this command before: Deuteronomy 6:5 says to “love God with all your heart, soul, and might and Leviticus 19:18 says to “love your neighbor as yourself”. Though this is true, just like the others, no one could keep this command in the way God gave it. Until Jesus!
Jesus’ command was “new” in the sense that it went beyond the traditional understanding of love and introduced a new standard of love based on Jesus’ own example. To understand this “new” command, we have to look at the character of Jesus. He fully modeled what it means to love, there in the Upper Room. He wasn’t just teaching from a distance; He was kneeling on a dusty floor, washing the feet of the men who would soon abandon, deny, and betray Him. Whew! Yes, Even Judas.
Jesus embodied love by being servant-hearted, patient, forgiving, and kind. He didn’t wait for them to deserve it. He chose to love them well because of who He is, not because of what they did.
How does the example of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas, challenge or inspire you to love those who may have hurt you or whom you struggle to accept?
Jesus went on to tell them:
By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
Love is spiritual ID! It’s not the Bible tote bag, the cute t-shirt, or the perfect Christian vocabulary that identifies us, but the way we choose to reflect the character of Jesus.
Reflection: If my love for others is my ‘spiritual ID,’ what does my reaction to stress or conflict say about whose disciple I am?
💡 Bible Study Tip: The “One Another” Cross-Reference
The Bible is its own best commentary! This week, try a Cross-Reference Hunt.
When you read John 13:34, look for other “One Another” passages. The New Testament is filled with commands to carry “one another’s” burdens, forgive “one another”, and encourage “one another”.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13
Your friend in the journey,
Remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S. We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.