John 13:31-35
When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. [If God is glorified in him,] God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Grace Prayed For
The Grace to Reflect God’s Glory: Pray that your life may radiate the love, mercy, and compassion of God, attracting others to His light. Ask for the strength to live in a way that glorifies Him in all you do.
Love’s Legacy
In this poignant passage, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure and leaves them with a profound legacy – a new commandment to love one another as He has loved them.
- The Glory of God: Jesus’ glorification is inextricably linked to God’s glorification. In His selfless sacrifice, Jesus reveals the boundless love and mercy of God. We are called to reflect this divine glory in our own lives, shining as beacons of God’s love in a world yearning for light.
- A Fleeting Presence: Jesus acknowledges the brevity of His earthly presence, reminding us to cherish every moment we have with Him and with each other. May we live each day with intentionality, seeking to deepen our connection with Christ and express His love to those around us.
- A New Commandment: Jesus’ commandment to love one another is not merely a suggestion, but a defining characteristic of His followers. Our love for each other should mirror the selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. This is the mark by which the world will recognize us as His disciples.
- A Lasting Legacy: Jesus’ love for us is the ultimate model for how we should love one another. This love transcends boundaries, overcomes differences, and extends even to our enemies. As we strive to love as Jesus loved, we carry on His legacy, building a more compassionate and just world.
Questions for Reflection:
- How can I reflect God’s glory in my daily life?
- In what ways am I cherishing my time with Jesus and with those I love?
- How can I deepen my capacity to love others as Jesus loves me?
- What steps can I take to build a more loving and compassionate community?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the true meaning of love. Help us to follow Your commandment to love one another as You have loved us. May our love be a testament to Your presence in our lives and a beacon of hope to the world. Amen.
Remember: Love is the legacy that Jesus leaves us. Let us strive to live out this legacy each day, sharing His love with a world in need.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Understanding His Heart: The passage reveals Jesus’ deep love for His disciples and His desire for them to experience the fullness of God’s glory. Reflecting on His words can help you understand the depth of His love for you and His longing for a close relationship.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post