Ready:
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Set:
It’s the final game, meet, or match of the year. Just before the competition begins, you have one last chance to interact with your team. What do you say and do? What is the most important thing you want to emphasize?
In John 13, Jesus gathers with His disciples for the Passover meal. We refer to it as the “last supper” because this is the final time they will all be together before Jesus’ crucifixion the next day. Jesus knows exactly what awaits Him. What then does He say and do? What is the most important thing Jesus wants to emphasize?
John 13:1 says, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” In their final time together, Jesus demonstrates His love by washing His disciples’ feet (v. 5). Cleaning the feet of those who traversed dusty roads all day was an unpopular task normally reserved for the lowest of servants. But Jesus, the Son of the Most High, willingly does so. He then tells them, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you” (v. 15). His point is not to highlight foot-washing. Rather, Jesus is emphasizing what He makes clear in verse 34: “I give you a new command: Love one another.”
The charge to love one another is not new in the sense of “never been commanded before.” Rather, what’s new about Jesus’ command is the standard He sets. “Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” The love we receive from Christ now determines how we are to love others. More than an emotion, love is a commitment to act for the good of another. Jesus loves you unconditionally and sacrificially, humbling Himself to serve our deepest needs. Jesus speaks about His love for you and demonstrates His love through all He does. He ultimately shows the full extent of His love through giving His life on the cross for you.
Fueled by how Jesus loves you, love your teammates or those you coach—as well as others—with Christ’s love. Love them unconditionally, working for their good regardless of whether they treat you well or can do anything for you. Love them through giving generously of your time, energy and other resources for their sake. Demonstrate your love in how you speak to and about them. Show the authenticity of your love through your humble actions. Keep loving others even when it’s hard. At the Last Supper, the message of Jesus is clear. Since we are loved so deeply by Christ, we are now to love others with this same love. Our teammates, players, and others will know we are disciples of Jesus as we love one another.
Go:
How does understanding Jesus’ love for you motivate you to love others well?
What steps can you take today to love others with Christ’s love?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial love for me. I pray that I would love others with Your love today. May my words and actions point those around me to You. Amen.”