John 13:31-35

Read John 13:31-35

Helpful Background Information:

• In our primary passage for the week, John refers to the “message you have heard from the beginning,” which is to “love one another.” Our passage today gives context to this message, as we see Jesus’ example and command to love one another. Right before this passage, Jesus has just washed the disciples feet, and Judas has left to betray Jesus. 

• Jesus references glory 5 times in just 2 verses. To the world, the cross appears as humiliation and defeat, yet Jesus declares it a display of Christ's authority, holiness, love, and victory over sin. His resurrection and ascension would publicly confirm the glory revealed in His sacrifice. The Father is glorified through the Son because Jesus perfectly fulfills the Father’s saving purpose.

• The Greek word used here for “new” implies freshness, or the opposite of outworn, rather than recent or different. It isn’t that this commandment was just invented, but it will be presented in a new, fresh way. So, the command to love wasn’t new; but the extent of love just displayed by Jesus was new, as would be the display of the cross. Love was newly defined from His example. Rather than being called to love our neighbors as ourselves, believers are to love one another as He has loved them. 

Reflection Questions:

• Jesus saw the cross as bringing total glory to the Father, not a sight of humiliation. What ”crosses” in your life can you use to glorify God rather than focusing on the present circumstances? Where have you seen God use painful/hard situations to ultimately display His character and bring glory to Him? 

• How did Jesus love his disciples? How has Jesus loved you? In light of this, what are some practical ways you can love others as Christ loved you? 

• Love is the visible evidence of genuine discipleship, not merely a feeling or profession. If an outside observer judged your life and community solely by how you treat and sacrifice for others, what conclusion would they draw about Jesus?