Love

John 13:31-35 (The Message)

31-32 When he had left, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is seen for who he is, and God seen for who he is in him. The moment God is seen in him, God's glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he himself is glorified—glory all around!

33 "Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I'm telling you: 'Where I go, you are not able to come.'

34-35 "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."

How do you like the experience of getting ready to leave home for an extended trip?

I'm a list-maker. I have to write down all the things that need to happen, and all the stuff that needs to be packed.

Other folks are instruction-leavers.

Before leaving the kids with grandparents, or even the dog with a house-sitter, there are lots of instructions to be written.

"Fluffy likes to eat at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and needs to be walked at 3."

"The backdoor doesn't like to lock, so you have to pull the knob in, turn halfway, push out and then lock it."

Stuff like that. Codes and passwords, knowledge of daily life that the new person in charge will need to live for a week or two in your shoes.

What did Jesus feel compelled to tell his disciples before his death and resurrection?

What was his list of instructions?

"Love one another...as I have loved you. People will know you're walking in my shoes if you love each other radically...powerfully...completely."

How can that instruction be obeyed? It's not an easy command after all.

We all have it in us to be pretty unlovable.

Jesus shows the way. The cross is a reminder of sacrifice and of placing another's interest radically ahead of our own. It is a sign of releasing life, rather than struggling to grasp it. It is freedom from the ego that keeps us bound in sin, and awakening to a new life of fullness and faith.

The reason for the cross is love. And the result of the cross...is love.

"Love one another," Jesus says. Let's give it a shot.

Prayer: Father God, the words of Jesus ring in our ears, and in our hearts. Love one another. We need you help. Heal our brokenness. Release us from our pride and need for self-defense. Free us for humble obedience and love.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture (Good Friday): John 18:1-19, 42