Loved First, Loving Others
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34
The command to love one another is not very “new”. It wasn’t to the disciples either. It was part of a list of laws they would have known from Leviticus 19. But there was something new in the way Jesus presented the command this time. Instead of being surrounded by a list of other laws, it was wrapped in his love. He told his disciples to love one another as He has loved them. You see His love in the calling of Matthew as a disciple, an act of forgiveness and outreach to someone who worked for the Romans as a tax collector and exploited his own people. You recognize Jesus’ love in his patience and kindness toward Peter whose denial of Jesus he would predict only moments later. And on the following day, they would witness Jesus’ ultimate love as He gave up His life on the cross to save them—to save us.
When I was young and questioned chores I didn’t want to do, my dad would tell me, “Because I’m the dad and I say so.” If I were to ask God why I should love others, He would tell me, “Because I’m your Father and I love you.” That’s a pretty good reason. It is also an empowering reason. Unlike my dad—who was loving but firm—God doesn’t simply assert His authority; He roots His command in His own perfect love. John repeats this sentiment in 1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.” We DO love because He first loved us. We CAN love because He first loved us. This truth anchors us as we care for others, especially when love feels costly or inconvenient.
Maundy Thursday Fun Fact: Although the focus on Maundy Thursday centers around The Lord’s Supper, the name of this special day comes from the Latin word, “Mandatum” which means “Command”. It comes from Jesus’ command to love one another. On this night, Jesus not only commanded love—He embodied it in its fullest form.
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us first, with a love shown in Your patience, forgiveness, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Teach us to love others as You have loved us, even when it feels difficult or inconvenient. Strengthen our hearts this Maundy Thursday to follow Your command and reflect Your love in all we do. Amen