Watch Me Lord, I am Your Disciple!
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
“Watch me, I want to show you what I can do!” As an adult you have probably heard a little person say this to you when they wanted to show off. They were so proud of the fact that they could do a cartwheel or dive into the swimming pool by themselves. They wanted to show you that they were growing up and wanted you to see them, to praise them for their accomplishments.
You are a disciple of Jesus, a Christian. Jesus in our text is encouraging all of us to show off. Not to get a “that a boy or that a girl” comment. Jesus is encouraging you and me to live our Christian faith. He wants us to be his disciples, just like we take a breath without thinking about it.
How do we do that? By following Jesus’ encouragement to, Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love one another.
People who watch and listen to you when you talk; watch where you spend your time; observe what kind of friends you have, and what kind of work you do, will be able to judge what kind of a person you are. Everyone will know that you are a Christian, a disciple of Jesus, if you show love and respect to others just like Jesus did for you.
Keep in mind that Jesus loves you even if you are unlovable. Because of our sinfulness in our thoughts, words and actions we deserve to be separated from God forever. Jesus wants you to be in heaven with him. That is why he took your place and paid for your sins by dying on the cross and rising on the third day to assure you that you are forgiven, and heaven is your home.
Jesus wants you to show that same kind of love that he has shown to you. He wants you to be forgiving, loving, selfless, and encouraging towards others. He wants all of us, his disciples, to love one another just like he has loved us.
We don’t become disciples of Jesus by loving each other. Our love for each other is the fruit of our faith. So let us show off our faith. “Watch me Lord, I am Your Disciple!”
Dear Lord Jesus, help me always to show off the love that you have for me. Help me show love just like you have loved me. Amen.