Note: It is easy to see a title like “Love like Jesus” and say that’s not possible for you. I encourage you to lean into the richness of Jesus’ commandment, knowing that the Holy Spirit is with you as you follow Christ into the fullness of God’s love for you. Thanks, Ed.
Love like Jesus
Tucked in the middle of a time of teaching with the Disciples, Jesus gives us a command worthy of our complete focus: “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”
John 15:12 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.12.NLT
Reflection
Imagine this moment of Jesus’ teaching. Were they sitting around a campfire (my personal favorite)? Were they sitting by the Sea of Galilee? Were they gathered at a friend’s house?
They were together when Jesus spoke this command. I can imagine him making eye contact with everyone in the small group as he says, “Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”
This specific teaching session gives us some more insight into his command:
- Jesus is reflecting the way he has been loved: “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” John 15:9 NLT. He invites us to abide in his love, just as he continues to dwell in the love of God the Father.
- Obedience is key to the life of love Christ is calling us to: “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” John 15:10 NLT.
- Sacrifice generously for the benefit of others: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 NLT.
Jesus also pointed out that the love that flows through obedience changes the nature of the relationship we share with him for the better: “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” John 15:14-15 NLT.
Encouragement
When we come to recognize that Jesus has chosen us, this life of loving as he does will have an impact on others in a good way: “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” John 15:16 NLT.
Notice that when we love like Jesus, we are given authority to ask God for what we need in the name of Jesus, and he will gladly provide.
Near the end of this part of the teaching, Jesus doubles down on the importance of this with these words: “This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17 NLT.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the significance of this command to follow the example of God the Father and You in living a life of love.
Thank you for the reminder that love travels best through obedience to you.
Thank you for sacrificing so generously for us. Help us generously sacrifice for the well-being of others.
Thank you for living a life of love that draws us into a deeper relationship with you.
Let the fruit of our lives be a real help and blessing to many others.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell