Love One Another (John 13:1, 31-35)

The sermon begins by acknowledging that among the approximately 50 "one another" commands in the New Testament, the command to "love one another" stands out as the most significant, appearing 12 times. This command is foundational, and if practiced correctly, it naturally leads to the fulfillment of all other "one another" commands.

1. The Centrality of Love (John 13:34-35):

• Jesus' Final Command:
  As Jesus prepares to leave His disciples, He emphasizes one last command: "A new command I give you: Love one another." This command is not entirely new but is given with new significance in the context of Jesus' impending sacrifice on the cross.
• The Importance of Love:
  Love is presented as the fundamental mark of true discipleship. Jesus makes it clear that love for one another is what will set His followers apart and is central to the life of the church. Without love, even correct doctrine and teaching are meaningless.

2. The Standard of Love (John 13:34):

• Love Like Jesus:
  The standard of love that Jesus sets is extraordinarily high: "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." This love is characterized by its graciousness and sacrificial nature.
• Gracious and Sacrificial Love:
  Jesus' love for His disciples, culminating in His sacrificial death, is the model for how believers are to love each other. This love is not based on feelings or convenience but is a deliberate choice to act graciously and sacrificially towards others, even those who may be difficult to love.

3. The Testimony of Love (John 13:35):

• A Witness to the World:
  Jesus teaches that the world will recognize His disciples by their love for one another. This love serves as a powerful testimony to the reality of God and the truth of the gospel.
• Historical Impact:
  The sermon references how the early Christians were known for their love, even by their pagan contemporaries, who marveled at how they loved and cared for one another. This kind of love is described as the "final apologetic" – the ultimate proof of the gospel's truth.

Lessons for Us:

1. Prioritize Love: Recognize that love is central to the Christian faith and is the most important command after loving God.

2. Follow Christ's Example: Aim to love others as Jesus loved – graciously and sacrificially, even when it is challenging.

3. Be a Witness Through Love: Understand that the love Christians show each other is a powerful witness to the world and a reflection of God's character.

4. Continual Growth in Love: Strive to grow in love daily, seeking new ways to express Christ-like love to others within the church community.