Hello there
How are you keeping? I pray you well. Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34 ASV
One might wonder why it is that Jesus added an extra commandment to the Ten and, more so, why love? The question becomes even more troubling when one considers Jesus’ audience. His disciples. In the bigger scheme of things, these weren’t normal Jesus-followers. He called them and they’d been traveling together through thick and thin. Sure, there might have been moments of rivalry, but even siblings did that.
Perhaps it matters that this came AFTER the foot-washing and the bombshell that His time with them had ended. Perhaps Jesus knew innately that upon His departure, that is – His arrest and crucifixion – the infighting would begin or the blame game would exacerbate to the point of schisms.
Perhaps
But although the ‘Why’ matters; I think it’s the ‘Who’ which is most critical. Jesus didn’t add a qualifier to the commandment. Not even a ‘Judas’ escape clause. Granted, Judas had left the building and would NEVER return to them; but they were not aware. So, Judas was part of the referenced ‘each other’!
And there’s the rub!
After the Betrayal which led to Christ’s Death like a cursed common criminal; it is likely that public sentiment among the disciples might not have leaned in Judas’ favor. But, like it or not, they had this new commandment which extended to Judas.
Who are the Judases in our own lives? Family members? Colleagues at work or study? Community members? Family? We’ve gotta love them! Christian? Non-Christian? We’ve gotta love them! Alter ego, or ourselves? We’ve gotta love us – just as Christ loved.
Pretty scary huh.
Somewhat exhilarating also.
But most of all – were not on our own. The Comforter SHALL provide all the support we need to obey the commandment. We just have to be willing.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
