What does John 13:34 say?

John 13:34 is a profound and pivotal verse within the New Testament, encapsulating the essence of Jesus' teachings on love and community. In this verse, Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34, ESV). This commandment, delivered during the Last Supper, serves as a cornerstone for Christian ethics and relationships.

To fully appreciate the depth of John 13:34, it is essential to understand the context in which Jesus spoke these words. The Last Supper was an intimate gathering where Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples before His impending crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus performed the humble act of washing His disciples' feet, demonstrating servanthood and humility (John 13:1-17). This act set the stage for His new commandment, emphasizing that love must be expressed through humble service and genuine care for one another.

The command to "love one another" was not entirely new, as the Old Testament law already emphasized love for one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). However, Jesus' commandment was revolutionary in its scope and depth. The qualifier "just as I have loved you" elevated the standard of love to a divine level. Jesus' love for His disciples was sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. He loved them to the point of laying down His life for them, as He would soon demonstrate on the cross (John 15:13).

This new commandment was intended to define the community of Jesus' followers. The love that Jesus exemplified was to be the distinguishing mark of His disciples. In John 13:35, Jesus further explains, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." The love that believers show to one another is a testimony to the world of their relationship with Jesus. It is a love that transcends cultural, social, and personal barriers, reflecting the inclusive and expansive nature of God's love.

The Apostle Paul echoes this commandment in his letters, emphasizing the centrality of love in the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "love chapter," Paul describes love as the greatest virtue, surpassing even faith and hope. He writes, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV). Paul also underscores the sacrificial nature of love in Ephesians 5:2, urging believers to "walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

The early Christian community took Jesus' commandment to heart, as evidenced in the Acts of the Apostles. The believers shared their possessions, cared for the needy, and lived in harmony, demonstrating a radical love that attracted many to the faith (Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-35). This communal love was a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel.

Throughout Christian history, many have sought to live out this commandment in various ways. St. Augustine, a prominent early church father, wrote extensively about love as the fulfillment of the law. In his work "On Christian Doctrine," Augustine states, "Whoever, therefore, thinks that he understands the Holy Scriptures, or any part of them, but puts such an interpretation upon them as does not tend to build up this twofold love of God and our neighbor, does not yet understand them as he ought" (Book 1, Chapter 36).

The commandment to love one another remains relevant and challenging for Christians today. In a world often marked by division, hostility, and self-interest, Jesus' call to love as He loved is a radical and countercultural mandate. It requires believers to go beyond superficial acts of kindness and to engage in deep, sacrificial love that seeks the well-being of others.

Practically, this love can be expressed in various ways. It involves forgiving those who have wronged us, serving those in need, and showing compassion to the marginalized. It means being patient, kind, and humble in our interactions with others, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It also entails standing up for justice and advocating for those who are oppressed, following Jesus' example of caring for the least of these (Matthew 25:40).

Moreover, this commandment challenges Christians to build authentic and loving communities within their churches and beyond. It calls for unity and reconciliation, breaking down barriers of race, class, and nationality. The church is to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds come together in mutual love and respect, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom.

In our personal lives, this commandment invites us to examine our relationships and attitudes. Are we loving others as Jesus loved us? Are we willing to lay down our lives, metaphorically or literally, for the sake of others? Are we embodying the selfless and sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated?

John 13:34 is a call to a higher standard of love, one that mirrors the love of Christ. It is a love that is active, intentional, and transformative. As we seek to follow this commandment, we are participating in the mission of Jesus, making His love known to the world and drawing others into the embrace of God's love.

In conclusion, John 13:34 encapsulates the heart of Jesus' teachings and serves as a guiding principle for Christian living. It calls believers to love one another with the same selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated. This commandment is not just a lofty ideal but a practical mandate that shapes our relationships, communities, and witness to the world. As we strive to live out this commandment, we reflect the love of Christ and participate in the transformative work of the gospel.