The Deep Love Command: Understanding the New Commandment
Jesus Christ, in the upper room, gave a new commandment that has since echoed through the ages, shaping the core of Christian faith and driving the actions of countless believers: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This divine decree, while seemingly straightforward, is laden with profound implications and insights into the nature of love, faith, and discipleship.
The Setting of the New Commandment
On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus gathered His disciples for the Last Supper, an event of significant historical and spiritual importance. In this intimate setting, after Judas Iscariot’s departure, Jesus imparted the new commandment to His faithful followers.
“Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. I give you a new commandment: 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 13:33-35).
While issued to the disciples present at that moment, this commandment was intended to guide all followers of Christ, transcending time and place.
Deciphering the ‘Newness’ of the Commandment
Given that love and compassion are deeply ingrained principles in both the Old and New Testaments, one might wonder what makes this commandment ‘new.’ The novel aspect lies in the measure and manner of love prescribed by Jesus. The disciples, and by extension all Christians, were now to love “as I have loved you” – an entirely unprecedented standard of love.
Jesus’ love for His disciples and all of humanity was far more profound and sacrificial than any previous understanding of love. It transcended the love encapsulated in the Old Testament commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18), presenting a new paradigm of selfless, unconditional love.
The Scope of the New Commandment
While the new commandment was initially directed towards the disciples, its scope is not limited to the relationship between believers. Jesus’ commandment to love, rooted in His own example, sets a high standard of love that extends beyond the confines of the Church, embracing all of humanity in its vast embrace.
Jesus’ love was not discriminatory; it reached out to everyone, irrespective of their social status, moral standing, or religious affiliation. His love extended to tax collectors and sinners, to those ostracized and condemned by society, reflecting God’s boundless mercy and compassion.
Similarly, the new commandment calls Christians to love beyond the boundaries of their immediate community, challenging them to love their enemies, pray for their persecutors, and show kindness to those who spite them.
The Nature of Love in the New Commandment
The new commandment presents a radical redefinition of love, moving it from a mere emotion or sentiment to a tangible, actionable principle. This love is not passive; it is proactive, actively seeking the welfare of others over self-interest.
Jesus’ love was characterized by service and sacrifice, epitomized by His willingness to wash His disciples’ feet and ultimately lay down His life for all humanity. Similarly, the love commanded by Jesus is a serving love, a sacrificial love, a love that is ready to give of oneself for the sake of others.
This love is not conditional, dependent on the worthiness or reciprocity of the recipient. Instead, it is a love that embraces flaws, forgives offenses, and seeks to uplift and edify. It is love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
The Implication of the New Commandment
The new commandment is not merely an individual moral directive; it has profound implications for the collective identity and witness of the Christian community. Jesus linked the observance of this commandment to the recognition of His disciples, suggesting that love would be the distinguishing mark of His followers.
The Church, thus, is called to be a community of love, reflecting in its relationships and actions the selfless, sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ. This love is a powerful testimony to the world, pointing to the Gospel’s transformative power and offering a glimpse of God’s kingdom.
The Challenge of the New Commandment
Living out the new commandment is not without challenges. The standard of love established by Jesus is high, requiring a level of selflessness and sacrifice that is often contrary to human nature. In the context of the new commandment, love is not a matter of feeling but of choice and action.
In addition, this love is not to be selective or discriminatory. It extends to friends and enemies alike, requiring forgiveness and grace towards those who may not seem deserving.
However, the new commandment is not a call to strive for one’s own strength. Instead, it is a call to abide in Christ, drawing from His love and grace to love others. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out this commandment, producing in them the fruit of love (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Reward of the New Commandment
The new commandment, while challenging, is also deeply rewarding. Jesus promised His disciples that their obedience to this commandment would be blessed.
Moreover, living out the new commandment brings believers into deeper fellowship with Christ as they participate in His love and become more like Him. It is a transformative process, reshaping the believer’s heart and character in the image of Christ.
In conclusion, the new commandment is a defining feature of Christian discipleship, calling believers to a radical, selfless love that reflects the love of Christ. It challenges and transforms, reshapes, and rewards, marking the Christian community as a unique embodiment of divine love. It is a call to love like Jesus, setting aside self-interest to serve others, just as He did.
About the Author
Bruce Mitchell is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who loves to share God’s Word in everyday life. He has studied at Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His blog (Allelon.us) is all about the principles of Agapao Allelon (Loving One Another) and God’s Mercy, Grace, Love, and Forgiveness and how it applies to our daily lives as Christ-Followers. (1 Peter 4:8)
Check out more of his work here
