A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34 KJV
The Context and Charge:
It is important to note that the words of today's extract were spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper, just before he went to the cross. Judas had just left, the one who would later betray him, so he was left with the ones who had stayed true as disciples. These words are for us today, who have also made the choice to be faithful disciples of Jesus. If indeed we follow Him, we must live as he directs. Our lives must reflect our submission to His will and purpose for our lives. When men come in contact with me, can they see the imprint of Jesus on me? Is my life a true reflection of the presence of Jesus?
One thing that helps is that His own life is the perfect lesson in what love is. Earlier in this same chapter, He as master had washed the feet of his disciples, ordinarily what the servant or disciple would do. He teaches me that for a disciple, service out of love has no gray area; it is service to and for all, not because they have earned it, but because I appreciate what I have received from God. My life becomes a platform for the visible display of God's love. It is this version by Christ that is the new normal; loving another person like myself has been bettered by the love of Christ. What does that look like?
The Contention and Conclusion:
Christ's version is the type that sees others the way God sees them, not people to be exploited for gain or to simply rule over. This love sees other people as creations of God, who can be reached by love. It does not matter how bad the past is, or how rough the journey has been; for many of the disciples sitting at the table for this meal, there were no rich or highly connected men, but they learnt a valuable life lesson from Jesus here: Just live like I do. If you can replicate my kind of life, you will indeed be the true reflection of who I am. This is the standard; any other thing will not cut it.
It is a new commandment because it is the new version. Now, we have a living example to emulate. His life has become public knowledge. Between disciples, there must be no doubt about the love we have for each other. It is in that communal love that the world sits up and takes notice. Imagine the disservice to the body of Christ if we envy or are jealous of each other's successes. How can we prove love, if our lives do not show it? The world will only respond to that which it can feel, touch or taste. Is my life that visible expression of the invisible nature of God's love in me. God's time of favour is here.
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