Explore Christ commandment of love in John 13:34 in this Bible study. Dive into its themes of sacrificial love, community, and discipleship.
A Bible Study About Christ’s Commandment of Love
Introduction
In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives a profound directive encapsulated in the simple yet weighty words captured in John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This verse sits amid the Last Supper discourse, where Jesus, fully aware of His impending crucifixion, aimed to prepare His disciples for His departure.
You might wonder why Jesus called this a “new commandment.” After all, loving others isn’t a groundbreaking concept in the Scriptures. However, the novelty lies in the benchmark of love — “as I have loved you.” A quick look at the entire chapter of John 13 reveals that Jesus was establishing a community founded upon His radical example of sacrificial love.
Summary: Key Themes from John 13:34
The overall theme of John 13:34 revolves around love and community built upon the example of Christ’s love. Jesus emphasizes love not as a suggestion but a command, redefining it through His own actions and upcoming sacrifice. The disciples, and by extension all believers, are urged to embody this love as a testament to their faith in Him. The subsequent verses indicate that this love is the distinguishing mark of His followers.
Key Lessons and Themes
Lesson 1: Love as a Commandment
Key Verse: John 13:34
In this command to love, Jesus underscores love as a mandate, not a choice. When you think of commandments, you likely think of rules etched in stone, guiding principles you must follow. This is precisely how Jesus intended it — an unbreakable law that transcends feelings or circumstances. The commandment is straightforward yet substantial; it’s a direct call to live in love continuously.
Expository Commentary:
The context of this verse makes it radical. Jesus had just washed the disciples’ feet, an act of humility and service, especially considering that one of them would betray Him. By using His own actions as the standard of love, Jesus elevated the concept from mere emotion to demonstrative action. Love here isn’t passive; it’s active, selfless, and sometimes sacrificial.
Application:
- In your daily interactions, think about how you’re embodying this command.
- When faced with decisions, consider if your actions align with this law of love.
Q&A:
- Q1: How can you love others like Jesus in today’s fast-paced world?
- A1: Start small — a kind word, a selfless act, or choosing forgiveness are steps toward living this command.
Lesson 2: The Sacrificial Nature of Love
Key Verse: John 15:13 — “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus’ love culminates in the ultimate sacrifice — giving His life. For us, while we may not be required to literally die for others, this verse urges you to consider the depth of your selflessness and service to those around you.
Expository Commentary:
Sacrificial love flips societal norms. It’s not about getting but giving, not about being served but serving. In John’s gospel, Jesus constantly demonstrates this reversal. His life is a blueprint for love marked by sacrifice, emphasizing actions over words.
Application:
- Reflect on how often you sacrifice your time, resources, or comfort for others.
- Identifying areas where you can be more giving can transform your relationships and community.
Q&A:
- Q2: What does sacrificial love look like in your life today?
- A2: It might be foregoing personal wants to assist a friend in need or using your talents for community welfare without seeking recognition.
Lesson 3: Love as an Identifying Mark
Key Verse: John 13:35 — “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Here, Jesus highlights love as the defining characteristic of His followers. Unlike distinctive clothing or exclusive rituals, the unique identifier of a believer is love.
Expository Commentary:
This concept challenges both social and religious constructs by placing love above doctrine. Jesus’ disciples would be known not for their words but their deeds, setting them apart in a world accustomed to judgment and division.
Application:
- Evaluate how your actions towards others reflect your faith.
- Consider volunteer work or community service as outlets for practicing this love.
Q&A:
- Q3: How does your love reflect Christ to others around you?
- A3: By being patient, forgiving, and generous, your actions can speak about Christ’s love louder than preaching ever could.
Lesson 4: Unity through Love
Key Verse: Philippians 2:2 — “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Paul’s words to the Philippians echo Jesus’ command, urging unity through love. Disagreements and divisions commonly arise in communities, but Christ-like love bridges gaps, fostering unity and peace.
Expository Commentary:
A community grounded in Christ’s love becomes resilient. Differences cease to divide; instead, they enrich the tapestry of the group. When you practice this unity, you mirror the harmony and peace of Christ to a fractured world.
Application:
- Embrace diversity in your circles, recognizing that you are united by love.
- Promote peacemaking and understanding over division.
Reflection and Personal Response
- Ask yourself, “How will I respond to the truths in this passage today?”
- Is there an area of your life where applying this lesson could foster growth?
Daily Life Reflection
- Consider, “If Jesus stood before me today, how would He view my response to this teaching?”
- Use this reflection as a compass for your daily actions and decisions.
A Call to Action
- Reflect on “What action can I take this week to show I am walking in the light of this truth?”
- Find opportunities to demonstrate love in a new way this week, whether at home, work, or in community interactions.
Prayer
As you close this study, take a moment to pray:
“Lord, help me fully grasp and live out Your commandment of love. Aid me in recognizing opportunities to reflect Your love to others. Grant me the strength and wisdom to act selflessly, promoting unity and peace. Through Your Spirit, guide my steps in aligning more closely with Your teachings. Amen.”
For further meditation, revisit John 13 and consider how these words are calling you today.
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Acknowledgment: All Bible verses referenced in this article were accessed via Bible Gateway (or Bible Hub)
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