Love Like That

The room was still, the water basin silent now. Jesus had just knelt before each of His disciples and washed their dusty feet, tenderly, even the feet of Judas, who would soon betray Him. This act was more than service; it was love in action.

Then, as He returned to His seat, He looked into their eyes and spoke words that have echoed through every generation since: “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

He was not doing away with the original Ten Commandments when He said that. Instead, He was emphasizing the spirit behind them, love.

The Ten Commandments focus on love for God (the first four) and love for others (the last six). Jesus summed it all up in Matthew 22:37-40:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart...”

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” ESV

The "new" part of Jesus' commandment was not the idea of love itself, which was already in the Old Testament, but the depth and model of love: “As I have loved you.”

This “new” command raised the standard from loving others as ourselves to loving them as Jesus loved us, sacrificially and unconditionally. Not just “love your neighbor as yourself” but “love them the way I have loved you.”

So, how did Jesus love? He forgave Peter’s denial. He welcomed doubting Thomas. He healed the ear of the man arresting Him. He gave His life for people who did not deserve it!

That is the love He asks us to show to others today. Not based on how we feel. Not based on who deserves it. But based on how He has loved us.

Then Jesus added something even more remarkable: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Not by our sermons. Not by our church attendance, but by our love.

Here is the question then: When people look at your life, do they see Jesus in your love? Our love for each other, and toward one another, is meant to be the evidence that we belong to Him. Not our perfect theology or our well-crafted words. But our love.

When your neighbor watches you, will they see a reflection of Jesus? When the stranger catches your eye, will they know you are in love with the Savior? That is the challenge He left with His disciples, and it is the challenge He leaves with us today.

So, how could He do it? Knowing what He knew, how could He wash their feet?

John gives a very descriptive reason, and it is beautiful. Jesus knew where He came from and He knew where He was going: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper…” John 13:3-4, ESV

There is joy and peace in that knowing, even today. So go ahead, love the people you come in contact with. Show Jesus with your love.