Lessons From the Road to Calvary预览

In the first twelve chapters of the Gospel of John, we only find the word “love” twelve times. Then, all of a sudden, in chapter thirteen, the word “love” appears forty-two times. It seems appropriate, considering what is about to take place: the Garden of Gethsemane, the sham trial, the beatings, and finally, Jesus’ death on the cross.

When Jesus says that He is giving them a new commandment, it does not mean that they have never loved each other before. But what is new is that true love had never been exemplified or so personified until the cross. Now how did Jesus love His disciples?

He chose them. He put up with them. There were moments when they heard His teaching on humbling yourself and being a servant and then continued to argue about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. The graciousness and love of Jesus tell me a lot about God. God is not just out there waiting for you to mess up so He can smite you. He is cheering for you. He loves you and wants what is best for you. His love for you is so pervasive, and that is the kind of love He wants each of us to have for each other.

In John 13:35, Jesus tells the disciples that if they will have this kind of love for each other, it will be so obvious to the world that there is something different.

The same is true today. If you are saved and following Jesus as His disciple, it is going to be a beautiful testimony of God at work in your life. People will see Jesus in you, and you will have more opportunities to share the good news of eternal life with them.

Lesson: Is there someone in your life who you consider to be unlovely or unlovable? Ask God to help you see them as He sees them — a soul in need of a Savior.