John 13:23

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another ~ John 13:34

Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31 both command us to love our neighbour as ourself, so how is what John writes a new commandment? Jesus answers this question: “As I have loved you.” This is more than what was written earlier and spoken earlier, it is a greater fulfillment of the Mosaic Law, for Jesus not only loved his neighbour as himself, but loved him more than himself. He laid down His life for His neighbour! We are called therefore, to give our lives for each other as we imitate Christ. This was how Jesus’ followers were to be distinguished from others. Previous to this, the Jew was known by his external rites, the way he dressed, wore his hair, etc. This new command would be above any other distinguishing mark be it of country, colour, or race. Christians were to look out for each other, befriend each other, support each other, and promote each other’s welfare. Jesus’ love for His disciples was strong and unbroken, and soon it would be shown through His own death. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” This was new in Jesus time. It is new in our time, for it is the love we ought to have for each other. It is how we should be ready to endure hardships, or encounter dangers, or to practice self-denial for the benefit of those whom God’s Son, Jesus Christ, laid down His life. 

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