John 13:34

Commentary on John 13:34

John 13:34 (NKJV): “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Context within John 13: John 13 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John that describes the events of the Last Supper. This chapter opens with Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, an act that exemplifies humility and servanthood. Following this, Jesus predicts His betrayal and gives His disciples this new commandment, highlighting the essential nature of love in the Christian community.

Teaching from John 13:34

The New Commandment: Jesus introduces this directive as a “new commandment,” although the command to love is present in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). The newness lies in the standard and model of love: “as I have loved you.” This underscores the transformative nature of Jesus’ love, which sets a new paradigm for how believers are to relate to one another (1 John 4:7–11).

Love as Christ Loved: The command to love “as I have loved you” emphasises selfless, sacrificial love. Jesus’ love is exemplified in His willingness to serve, sacrifice, and ultimately lay down His life for His followers. This love is rooted in the grace of God and is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit in believers’ hearts (Romans 5:5).

Community and Witness: The love among believers is meant to be a distinctive mark of Christian community. This commandment serves not only to strengthen the bonds within the church but also as a witness to the world of God’s love. The unity and love of the Christian community reflect the nature of the triune God and serve as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel (John 17:21).

Application to Modern Christian Living

Cultivating Christ-like Love: Believers are called to cultivate a love that mirrors Christ’s selflessness and sacrifice. This involves practical acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service, putting others’ needs before one’s own. It requires a heart transformed by grace, seeking to love others as Christ has loved (Ephesians 5:1–2).

Fostering Community: The command to love one another is foundational for building and maintaining Christian community. This involves creating an environment of mutual support, accountability, and encouragement. It challenges Christians to move beyond superficial relationships and engage in deep, authentic fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Witnessing through Love: Living out this commandment serves as a powerful witness to the world. The love and unity of believers should attract others to Christ, showcasing the distinctiveness of the Christian faith. It calls Christians to be ambassadors of Christ’s love, demonstrating the reality of the Gospel through their relationships (2 Corinthians 5:20).

In conclusion, John 13:34 calls believers to embody the love of Christ in their interactions with one another. This verse emphasises the importance of loving as Christ loved, fostering a strong, supportive Christian community, and witnessing to the world through this love. It challenges Christians to live out their faith in a way that reflects the selfless, sacrificial love of Jesus, building up the body of Christ and attracting others to the Gospel.