John 13:34
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John 13:34 records Jesus Christ instituting a 'new commandment'—urging His followers to love one another as He has loved them. This verse exemplifies the core of Christian ethics: Christ-like, sacrificial love. It is foundational for biblical teachings on discipleship, community, and the new covenant. Jesus sets Himself as the model for this love, marking it as the distinguishing trait of genuine Christian faith. See text: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A34&version=KJV
Summary
‹A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.›
John 13:34 is situated amid Christ's Farewell Discourse, as Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending crucifixion. The statement, 'A new commandment I give unto you,' uses the Greek word 'kainēn' (καινὴν)—'new' not in the sense of recent, but of renewed or uniquely higher nature. The command, 'love one another; as I have loved you,' (Greek: 'agapate allēlous kathōs ēgapēsa humas' — ἀγαπᾶτε ἀλλήλους καθὼς ἠγάπησα ὑμᾶς), centers on 'agapē' (ἀγάπη), the self-sacrificial, covenantal love exemplified by Christ. Biblically, this command echoes and transcends Leviticus 19:18 (https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/9916), where God commands, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Jesus elevates this: the new standard is His love, characterized by humility (John 13:1–17), self-giving (Philippians 2:5–8, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil+2%3A5-8&version=KJV), and atoning sacrifice (Romans 5:8, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A8&version=KJV). Through the indwelling Spirit (Romans 5:5), believers are empowered to embody Christ-like love, fulfilling the law’s intent in the community of the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33, https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/16190/jewish/Chapter-31.htm). Theologically, this command crystallizes the ethical implications of union with Christ.
You and I both know how hard it can be to love as Jesus loves. Our world is often harsh, and relationships test us. But here’s the invitation: Christ calls us not just to sentimentality, but to deep, committed, selfless love. He loved His disciples knowing their flaws, even as they betrayed, denied, and abandoned Him. His love is patient, steadfast, and redeeming. Today, we’re drawn into that same pattern — to bear with one another, to forgive, to serve, to seek the good of others at cost to ourselves. This kind of love is not natural but supernatural, made possible as Christ’s love fills our hearts. When we struggle, we look to Him: the One who washed feet, bore our sins, and never ceases to love. Let us ask for grace to reflect His love — in our homes, churches, and even toward those hardest to love. This is how the world will know we are His; this is how Christ is glorified among us.