“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The power of Jesus’ simple command here is best understood in the setting in which it is given. Just hours before Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion, he had gathered for a final meal with his disciples. Before the meal, Jesus took on the lowliest servant’s role and washed their feet. Despite the confusion and protests of his disciples, Jesus insisted on carrying out this act of great humility for their sake.
It was by this act of servitude that Jesus illustrated his command to the disciples, and all of us, to love as he loved. And he would go on to perform an even greater act of self-sacrificial love on the cross, deepening our understanding of this command.
When we love like Jesus, we take on a servant’s heart and act in the best interest of others. And we do so without regard to preserving our own status or pride.
