Jesus gave His friends one new command: love one another as He loved them.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”John 13:34-35 (KJV)
What does “New commandment” mean in John 13:34-35?
The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which means commandment, and it gives Maundy Thursday its name. Jesus spoke these words at the last supper with His disciples.
Going deeper
On the night before He died, Jesus washed His disciples' feet, taking the role of the lowest servant. Then He gave them a new commandment: that ye love one another, as I have loved you. The command was not new in asking for love, since the law already said to love your neighbor. What was new was the measure: as I have loved you. Their love was now to be shaped by His, which was about to be shown on the cross.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, He said, if ye have love one to another. Not by our arguments or our buildings, but by our love. Tonight is a good moment to ask how we are doing at it. Is there someone in your church or family that you find hard to love? Take a practical step, such as a call, a note, or an act of service, as a way of obeying His new commandment. Love that looks like His will stand out.
Reflect
Who is hard for you to love, and what practical step could you take toward them this week?
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us to the end. Give me a love for others that looks like Yours, and let it show in what I do. In Jesus' name, amen.
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