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Sermon

The New and Improved Commandment

Speaker
David Capoccia
Scripture
John 13:31-38

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Note: This transcript and summary was autogenerated. It has not yet been proofread or edited by a human.

Summary

The commandment to love one another is not merely an old rule restated but is genuinely new and improved through Jesus Christ. From John 13:31-38, we discover three clarifying aspects of this new commandment: its cause (Jesus’ glorious departure), its elevation (the standard of Jesus’ own love), and its context (loving failing brethren). We are reminded that this commandment comes with the new covenant reality — God has provided everything needed to obey it through the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins.

Love for one another is the chief distinguishing mark of true disciples, and it is tested most when brothers and sisters fail us.

Key Lessons:

  1. Jesus’ new commandment elevates the standard of love from “love your neighbor as yourself” to “love one another as I have loved you” — sincerely, sacrificially, forgivingly, patiently, humbly, and extravagantly.
  2. The new covenant provides the spiritual power and freedom to obey this elevated command; we are not saved by good works but saved to good works through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
  3. The real test of Christlike love is whether we continue loving our brethren when they fail us, sin against us, or don’t love us in return.
  4. An inability or unwillingness to love fellow believers exposes a person as a false disciple, since love for one another is the chief distinguishing mark Jesus gave for identifying his true followers.

Application: We are called to examine whether we are actively contributing to our church’s loving unity or tearing it apart through selfishness, neglect, gossip, or bitterness. We must forgive and love the “failing Peters” in our lives, remembering that we ourselves have done far worse to Christ and yet he continues to love us.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what specific ways has Jesus’ love for you — sincere, sacrificial, forgiving, patient, humble — been most real to you, and how can you extend that same kind of love to a specific person this week?
  2. How do wrong expectations (like Peter’s) hinder your ability to love others well, and what expectations might you need to surrender to God?
  3. Is there a brother or sister in Christ you have stopped loving because they hurt or disappointed you? What would it look like to forgive and love them as Jesus loves you?

Scripture Focus: John 13:31-38 provides the central text, teaching that Jesus’ new commandment to love one another as he has loved us is the defining mark of true discipleship. Supporting passages include Leviticus 19:18 (the old commandment), John 17:4-5 (mutual glorification of Father and Son), Matthew 5:44-45 (loving enemies), Galatians 6:10 (special love for the household of faith), and 1 John 4:7-8 (the one who does not love does not know God).

Outline

Introduction

Well, I’m excited this morning to go back into the Gospel of John with you. I don’t I don’t know, but I was thinking about the analogy of what I’ve experienced in my life and our experience with John. We recently went on vacation and vacations are great, right?

Because you get to go experience some things that you don’t normally do, but then you long for home. You long for your routine. And I feel like that’s the way it has been with me and thinking about this gospel.

It was nice in the summer to explore some different psalms, go some places we don’t normally go, but kind of long to go back to the Gospel of John. And so we finally get to do that today. And I hope that that’s a blessing to you as much as it is to me. Let’s ask the Lord’s blessing on this time as we open the Gospel together.

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, we need your word. We need you to open it up to us now. We need to understand it. We need to welcome it. And we need to do it.

Without you, we can’t do these things.

So we ask you, God, we pray, open our eyes to this. Change our hearts. Open my mouth to be able to declare it as I ought so that you, the Trinity, would be glorified in Jesus name. Amen.

New and Improved

I’d like us to begin today by thinking about a certain phrase. You may have noticed it in my sermon title if you happen to glance at it in the bulletin.

And that phrase is new and improved.

Have you ever encountered something advertised as new and improved?

If you have, you have probably learned to be a bit skeptical of that claim because there’s plenty today said to be new and improved, which is neither one nor the other. Or maybe just not one of those things. Perhaps you visit a fast food joint and they are advertising a new and improved burger, but when you taste it, you say, “This doesn’t taste that different from the old version.”

Or perhaps you watch a remake of some classic movie. These days, it seems movie makers are always trying to push some remake enhanced. Oh, look at this this new remake. Especially if it’s an animated film, they want to make it live action.

And be like, “Oh, wow. It’s going to be so new for you.” Well, many times you watch such a remake, but then you say to yourself, “Okay, this is new, but it’s not improved. The old one was better.” Well, today we encounter something that is genuinely new and improved. Not a burger, not a movie, but a commandment.

“Today we encounter something genuinely new and improved — not a burger, not a movie, but a commandment.”

The new and improved commandment.

A commandment that we love one another.

This morning, we’re going to see why this seemingly old command is actually new and improved. And we’re also going to see why obedience to this command is the most important indicator as to whether you are saved in Jesus Christ or not.

Setting the Scene: Returning to John’s Gospel

If you would please take your Bibles and open to the Gospel of John, chapter 13.

We’ll be looking at verses 31-38 today as we investigate Jesus new and improved commandment.

If you are using the Pew Bibles, you can find our passage on page 177, John 13:31-38.

Now, I know it’s been a while since we’ve been in the Gospel of John together. So, before I read our new passage, allow me to reorient all of us to this book and to where we are at in it. And I’m going to do this from the highest level and then we’ll gradually get back to our passage.

Recall that the Gospel of John is an evangelistic record of Jesus life. Our author John the Apostle, he writes so that religious people in his own day, Greekeaking Jews outside Palestine and Gentile God-fearers, but timelessly religious people are meant to read this gospel, believe in Jesus, be saved, and then follow Jesus to the end.

John himself says in John 20:es 30-31 John 20:es 30-31 therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of his disciples which are not written in this book but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God and that believing you may have life in his name.

John organizes this evangelistic gospel into two main parts. You have John 1-12 which is sometimes called the book of signs and it is a presentation of Jesus as the Christ and son of God based on Jesus signs that is based on Jesus miraculous works and the words he spoke explaining those works over his three and a half year ministry. So John 1-12, the book of signs.

But then the second main part is John 13:20, sometimes called the book of glory. And this part is a presentation of Jesus as the Christ and the son of God based on Jesus greatest sign as it were, his crucifixion and resurrection accomplished during Jesus’ final Passover. This second part of the Gospel of John is all about Jesus crucifixion and resurrection.

And that’s where we’re at in our study. As we have begun this second main part of the Gospel of John, we’ve encountered Jesus farewell discourse. The farewell discourse runs from chapter 13 to 17. And it’s exactly what it sounds like because Jesus knows that his death and earthly departure have arrived. Jesus gives final instruction and comfort to his disciples and then prays for them.

“The second part of John’s Gospel is all about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.”

Now, we last time we were in the Gospel of John together, we examined the first part of this farewell discourse, the prologue to the discourse as it were at the beginning of John 13. If you’ve already turned to our new passage, just glance back up to the beginning of the chapter to be reminded of where we have been most recently. In John 13 1-20, what do you see?

You see again Jesus providing his powerful lesson about humble service. How did he teach this lesson? By washing his own disciples feet. That’s John 13:1-20. And then if you glance at John 13:21-30, you see again Judas rejecting, finally rejecting Jesus humble service, his love, his salvation, and leaving into the night to betray Jesus just as Jesus foretold.

And this finally brings us to our new passage. So, we’re still in the upper room with Jesus and his disciples at the conclusion of the Passover meal. As we begin to read our new section, Judas, Judas’s Scariot, has just left.

And despite Jesus’ declaration in verse 21 that one of the 12 would betray him, none but Jesus and perhaps the Apostle John know why Judas has gone. He’s gone to betray Jesus. They know that somebody’s going to betray Jesus, but they haven’t connected that it’s Judas.

So that sentiment hangs over the scene.

Scripture Reading: John 13:31-38

Let’s now read our new text. John 13:es 31-38.

Therefore, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the son of man glorified and God is glorified in him.” If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him immediately.

Little children, I am with you a little while longer, you will seek me. And as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, where I am going, you cannot come.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.”

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow me later.

Peter said to him,”Lord, why can I not follow you right now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny me three times.” Here we see Jesus farewell discourse begin properly.

With Judas the traitor now gone, Jesus can finally bear his heart to the 11, to the true disciples, and give them their greatly needed instruction and encouragement now that Jesus is leaving.

And what is Jesus first teaching topic for these 11 disciples?

It’s this new commandment to love one another.

Now, let that sink in a little bit.

One would expect a great teacher’s final instructions to be especially weighty.

That Jesus, the son of God and greatest of all teachers, should choose immediately in his final instruction to speak on love tells us just how important love is to God and must be for his disciples, including us today.

In John 13:31-38, John, our author, presents three clarifying aspects of Jesus new commandment so that you will obey as Jesus true disciple. We see the commandment. This whole passage is going to give us three clarifying aspects of Jesus new commandment so that you will obey as Jesus true disciple. Let’s look at each of these clarifying aspects in turn starting with the first in verses 31-33.

The Cause of the New Commandment: Jesus’ Glorious Departure

Number one, we see the cause of the new commandment, which is Jesus glorious departure. What is the cause of the new commandment? It is Jesus glorious departure. Go back to verses 31-32 again.

It says, “Therefore, when he,” that’s Judas, “had gone out, Jesus said,”Now is the son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him immediately.” Now, considering the likely dismal mood in the upper room by this point, Jesus statement in verse 31 comes as a bit of surprise.

With the betrayer announced and Judas leaving, now the son of man is glorified.

Yes. And in a way, this shouldn’t be a surprise because this idea has already been presented by Jesus in the near context back in chapter 12.

Recall John 12:23, specifically things that Jesus was saying about his hour. John 12:23.

And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” And then just a little bit further down in John 12, John 12:27-28, Jesus says, “Now my soul has become troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour, but for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” What is this hour again? To remind you this hour is Jesus predetermined time of special suffering and special glorification.

John 12:23: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

To say it another way, this hour is a relatively short period of Jesus life that includes Jesus betrayal, his arrest, his torture, his crucifixion, but also his resurrection, ascension, and seating at God’s right hand.

In short, it is the hour. It is the time period of his special suffering and glorification. Now, I I want to emphasize that to you because John in this gospel is careful to emphasize that to us.

The Cross as Glorification

John wants us to see and how he writes this book that Jesus special suffering, the cross, it is not merely a stepping stone to glory for Jesus. It’s the sinful thing he has to endure. And then the glory comes afterwards.

Rather, the cross itself is part of the glorification.

There is a way in which the cross itself is glorious for Jesus.

As Jesus is lifted up on this shameful cross, literally he is also being lifted up figuratively in glory before the whole world.

Because all that he’s displaying in that suffering, in that sacrifice is the glory of God. The love of God, the humility of God, the holiness of God, every attribute you can think of, God’s entire greatness is displayed in Jesus in this work. It’s put on unique display in this special hour of suffering, not just at its end.

“The cross itself is part of the glorification. God’s entire greatness is displayed in Jesus in this work.”

Now, why is John keen to emphasize this idea to us?

Where did John get this idea to put it into his gospel?

He got it from Jesus as we can see again in the verses we read.

The Son of Man and the Father Glorified Together

Notice in verse 31, only after Judas has gone out, Jesus says, now is the son of man glorified.

Why now? Because the betrayal has officially been initiated. The hour of suffering, Jesus said it had arrived before, but now Jesus says, I’m in it.

The son of man is being glorified. The hour has begun. This special time has begun.

And notice whom Jesus says is already being glorified. He says first the son of man. Who’s that? That’s Jesus. That’s Jesus favorite messianic title for himself. Comes from Daniel 7:13. It’s connected with divine glory. But Jesus often uses it in connection with his own humility and suffering.

Says, “I’m already being glorified as the son of man.” But second, God is being glorified. That is God the Father.

Often in the New Testament when it says God, it’s a reference to the Father specifically.

And we’ve seen already in the Gospel of John how God the Father and God the Son are so intimately united. They are the Godhead. They are two persons of the Trinity. One cannot be glorified without the other being glorified.

Thus, when the son of man is glorified in his special hour, so is the father.

“One cannot be glorified without the other. When the Son of Man is glorified, so is the Father.”

For all that the son does is done for the glory of the father. And the glory that the son puts on display is the father’s own glory. Which is why he’ll say to his disciple even the next chapter, if you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the father. I’m showing you the same glory.

Glorification in Heaven

And this mutual glorification at the beginning of Jesus hour, it will also appear at its end though in reversed order with reverse emphasis. Notice now verse 32. In verse 32, we have a switch in verb tense.

Jesus says, and I’m going to supply some extra words in this verse just for clarity, just helping you identify the pronouns and such. Jesus says, “If God the father is glorified presently in him, the son, then God the father will also in the future glorify him the son in himself in the father.” What is Jesus talking about here? What’s this glorification of the son in the father in the future?

This is a reference to Jesus return to heaven after the resurrection to sit down at God’s right hand and to be enveloped again in the father’s glory.

Jesus will pray something similar at the end of the farewell discourse in John 17. Listen to John 17:4 and5. John 17:4 and 5. Jesus says to the father, “I glorified you on the earth having accomplished the work which you have given me to do.” Now, Father, glorify me together with yourself with the glory which I had with you before the world was.

Now, I don’t know if you hear there the same order in John 17 as in the two verses we just read in John 13. Father and son first glorify one another by the son’s obedience on earth, but then father and son glorify one another by the father’s exaltation of the son in heaven.

Now notice back in John 13:32 that Jesus declares that this mutual glorification even in heaven will be accomplished relatively quickly. For Jesus says at the end of verse 32, “And he God will glorify him the son immediately.” In other words, there won’t be much time between the special glorification of God on earth and the special glorification of God in heaven. We learn from other scriptures just 43 days. The three days in the tomb, the resurrection and then the 40 days appearing to his disciples.

Relatively speaking, that’s not very long. And Jesus says, “If this period has already started, then its conclusion is coming fast.” Now, we can take a step back and just observe once again the great confidence of Jesus, our savior, in facing betrayal and the cross. Once again, we see Jesus is no helpless or hopeless victim. He is in total control. He has total trust in his father. How can he do that? It’s because he’s the Messiah. He’s the son of God. He is the one in whom you must believe.

“Jesus is no helpless or hopeless victim. He is in total control. He has total trust in his Father.”

We see that once again. But more to the main point of this section. Jesus announcement of begun glorification means something hard for his disciples.

Jesus’ Tender Farewell to His Disciples

Look at verse 33.

Jesus says,”Ittle children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek me. As I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, where I’m going, you cannot come.” You see the beginning phrase here, little children. This is the only time this term appears in the Gospels, though it appears several times in First John.

It’s a dimminative kind of like a cutesy smaller version of the normal Greek word for children and thus it indicates special affection.

As wonderful as the news is of God’s special glorification beginning, Jesus knows that this means something difficult for his dear disciples. And so he addresses them especially tenderly.

“Jesus knows this means something difficult for his dear disciples, so he addresses them especially tenderly.”

Jesus spells out the difficult implication with the other words he uses. Actually words that he’s used previously with his Jewish opponents back in John 7 and John 8. Basically, Jesus tells the disciples like he told the Jews before, “Time is short before I go away for good.” Just as Jesus words were previously meant to move the Jews to listen and act while they had the chance, so Jesus entreats his disciples to listen to his last critical words of teaching while they can. Considering Jesus’ glorious departure, what’s so important now for the disciples to hear and to do?

The Elevation of the New Commandment: Jesus’ Own Love

It is, of course, the new commandment, which is what Jesus speaks about next directly in verses 34-35. And there we see a second clarifying aspect of our obedience to Jesus’ command as true disciples. So, we’ve seen number one, the cause of the new commandment, Jesus glorious departure. Now, number two, the elevation of the new commandment, Jesus own love. The elevation of the new commandment will center around Jesus own love.

Look at verse 34.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.”

Notice that what is presented in verse 34 is indeed a commandment, which means it’s an order. An order from the king, a directive from the master, a nonoptional call, an exhortation from the great rabbi.

And Jesus calls this commandment a new commandment, which is intriguing.

Usually something new calls for special attention and response.

And Jesus new commandment here certainly does.

What is the commandment again to love one another?

The Greek word used for love here is agapa from which we get agape love. To love someone with agape love is to have for a person a warm regard, interest or affection in the heart that moves you to do good for a person.

It’s not just an action. It’s not just a feeling. It’s a genuine affection affectionate feeling that moves you to do good for another person.

Jesus commands that we both have and show agape love to one another.

What Makes This Commandment New?

But is this command to love one another really that new?

Many religions of the world have some version of a love one another rule. And the Old Testament famously proclaims in Leviticus 19:18 its own version. Leviticus 19:18, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

I am the Lord or I am Yahweh.” . Okay. So, we already had that rule in the Bible. So, is there really anything new or improved in Jesus’ command to love one another?

Well, there is as we see immediately in the next part of verse 34 because Jesus says, “Love one another even as I have loved you.” You see, in Jesus new commandment, he is elevating that old commandment by first and foremost a new standard of love we are to practice. Not merely any old love. Not merely the love you naturally have for yourself. Love your neighbor as yourself. Okay, I I do naturally love myself, so I love my neighbor the same way. No, it’s got to be more than that.

“Jesus elevates the old commandment by a new standard: love others as Jesus has loved you.”

Jesus commands you to love others as Jesus has loved you.

How Has Jesus Loved You?

And how has Jesus loved you, my brethren?

If you are in Jesus Christ, if you have repented of your sin and believed in Jesus Christ, how has Jesus loved you?

We could spend a long time meditating on that question. I’ll just give you a few prompts to get your thinking going.

Jesus has loved you sincerely from his heart. Not with mere flattery, not with hypocrisy.

Jesus has loved you sacrificially, laying down his life, all his earthly comforts and desires for you.

Jesus has loved you forgivingly.

He has not held your sins. The sins that you committed against him, he has not held them against you.

Jesus has loved you patiently.

He has not given up on you despite your failures to love him back.

Jesus has loved you humbly, willing even to take the position of a slave so that he can wash your feet.

Jesus has loved you extravagantly, pouring out every spiritual blessing he could on you in his salvation.

Jesus has loved you worshipfully, not worshiping you, but out of his own worship for God, out of his own love for God. And so that you might love God, too.

And we could give many more descriptions.

How has Jesus loved you? All these ways Jesus has taught you. He’s prayed for you. He served you. He saved you. He’s encouraged you. He’s stayed with you.

And Jesus has loved you not just once or for a little while, but John 13:1, Jesus loved his own to the end, to the max, to the uttermost. He doesn’t stop doing it. And there’s no limit to it.

“Jesus loved his own to the end, to the max, to the uttermost. He doesn’t stop and there’s no limit.”

So now, what does Jesus require of you?

He’s poured out his love on you. What does he now require of you?

That you love others, especially your brethren, in the very same way.

Love them sincerely, sacrificially, forgivingly, patiently, humbly, extravagantly, worshipfully.

Teach them, pray for them, serve them, see them saved, encourage them, spend time with them.

Love everyone with the heart of Jesus and with the speech and actions of Jesus.

This is Jesus new commandment.

And that is a great and glorious commandment, is it not?

Do you obey it?

And to that question, someone might say, “Hey, I try, but I’m not Jesus Christ.

The New Covenant Makes Obedience Possible

How can I love everyone like him?” Well, consider it. There is something else new and elevated about this command to love.

This commandment comes, as we’ve already observed, as Jesus is being glorified through the cross and departing to the glory of the father.

In other words, this new commandment comes at the same time as a new reality is being inaugurated.

What new reality?

The new covenant.

You say, “What’s the new covenant?” Something wonderful foretold in the Old Testament. It’s this amazing treaty of salvation that God inaugurated in Jesus and in which God does everything.

God does everything but whoever believes in Jesus really the ones that God draws to believe in Jesus. Whoever believes in Jesus get all the blessings. In the new covenant God does everything he says but you get all the benefits.

Like what? Well, in the new covenant, all your helldeserving sins, yes, even your failures to love others like Jesus loves you, all your hell-deserving sins are paid off once and for all by Jesus’ death on the cross.

Meanwhile, his perfect life of righteousness is credited to you, counts as if you had done it, meaning that you have a sure place in God’s kingdom.

Furthermore, in the new covenant, God gives you a new heart by his holy spirit. The spirit lives inside you as proof of your salvation and as continual enablement to walk before God in obedience.

In short, for those who believe, God doesn’t just give an elevated command, but he provides an elevated reality to make obedience to the command both possible and desired.

“God doesn’t just give an elevated command, but provides an elevated reality to make obedience both possible and desired.”

You don’t have to be Jesus Christ himself to love others like Jesus.

You just have to believe in Jesus Christ and then by the new covenant you are freed up to obey.

This is a truth that we’ve even encountered recently in the Iron Man group speaking from Ephesians.

You’re not saved by good works. You’re saved to good works so that you may now practice them. And this isn’t a burden and a duty, though there is a certain obligation. This is a gift. Growth in holy living, empowerment of holy living is a gift that God gives to you as part of your salvation.

After all, what need holds you back from such love anymore?

God has taken care of your sin problem.

He’s given you himself and he’s empowered you to obey.

Really we follow Jesus pattern that we see earlier in John 13. Remember John 13:1-3 we saw those three verses that are all about Jesus knowing who he is, where he is going, how God is going to glorify him. And then John 13:4-11, what is Jesus freed up to do? Radical and humble service to his brothers, to those that belong to God.

It’s the same for us.

So then Jesus new commandment is definitely new and improved.

Not simply because the standard is higher and more glorious than anything that we’ve seen before. You look at that command. You think about it being obeyed and you’re like, man, that’s that’s beautiful. That’s right. That’s good.

But it’s not just that the standard is higher. There’s a new salvation reality to back it up for those who are in Jesus so they can walk in it. Which is why Jesus next statement in verse 35 makes perfect sense. What does Jesus say?

The Distinguishing Mark of True Disciples

By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.

In other words, obedience to Jesus’ command, this new command to love as Jesus loves you, it’s not only possible for Jesus disciples, it is expected. It is to be the chief distinguishing mark of Jesus disciples to the whole world.

How will people know which people are really Jesus disciples? A lot of people claim to be Jesus disciples. How do you really know? This passage says it’s simple. Jesus disciples love each other in the same way that Jesus loves them.

“Obedience to this new command is expected — it is to be the chief distinguishing mark of Jesus’ disciples.”

Wait, did you see do Jesus disciples only love each other this way? Do they not love the people of the world in the way that Jesus does? Oh no, they do that too. Jesus disciples do love even the unsaved and wicked persons of the world just as Jesus teaches elsewhere in Matthew 5. Matthew 5:44-45.

You remember these words? Matthew 5:44-45.

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Why?

So that you may be sons of your father who is in heaven. For he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Believers love the people of the world just as God loves the people of the world.

Yet just as God has a special love for his own children, so believers are to have a special love for the children of God, for their brothers and sisters in the Lord. Thus Paul can teach in Galatians 6:10. Galatians 6:10, so then while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

We should have a radical abundant love for the people of the world. And yet, it should be even more so to our brethren.

So, my brethren, it is time to ask yourselves, are you marked by Christlike for others?

Especially your fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord and especially your fellow brothers and sisters in this church.

Are you marked by Christlike love for them? Do you love those people the way that Jesus loves you? In certain times and places, believers have stood out to the world by their love for one another.

Lessons from Church History

Famously, this was true of the early persecuted church. Tertullian, the second century apologist, I think brother Khif mentioned him in Sunday school today. He once testified about Christian witness to unbelieving Romans in this way. There’s Tutoleian.

But it is mainly the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to put a malicious brand upon us.

See, they say, how they love one another, for they themselves are animated by mutual hatred, how they are ready even to die for one another. For they themselves will sooner put to death.

And they are angry with us, too, because we call each other brethren, for no other reason, as I think, than because among themselves names of same-bloodedness are assumed in mere pretense of affection rather than truth.

Do you hear what Teroleian is saying?

He’s saying they know that we love each other and that’s actually why they can’t stand us because it just exposes their own hatred. Yes, even for those that they call brother or sister.

Those persecuted Christians of the second century were testifying well of Jesus to the world by their love.

“They know that we love each other, and that’s why they can’t stand us — it exposes their own hatred.”

But it’s not always this way among Christians.

Listen to what John Croissm a great 4th century preacher says in comments on John 13:35. Now Chrissam, he was preaching and ministering in a time where Christianity was no longer persecuted, at least not officially. It had received a favored status among the Roman Empire. Listen to what he says about John 13:35.

Now Jesus spake this not to them only, those disciples, but to all who should believe on him. Since even now there is nothing else that causes the heathen to stumble except that there is no love and with good reason. When one of them sees the greedy man the plunderer exhorting others to do the contrary.

When he sees the man who was commanded to love even his enemies treating his very kindred like brutes, he will say that the words are folly.

Their own doctrines they have long condemned and in like ma manner they admire ours but they are hindered by our mode of life.

On the contrary seeing us tear our neighbors worse than any wild beast. They call us the curse of the world.

And haven’t we seen this tragedy play out among those who name the Christ even in our own day?

Where’s the love?

As one preacher said, we unsay with our lives the very gospel words we declare.

Examining Our Own Church

But what about here?

Does Calvary fit Jesus description in John 13:35?

Do we love one another as Christ loves us and thus prove to be Jesus’ true disciples?

In large measure, I would have to say yes.

I am so encouraged when I think of the love of the brethren here, for me, for the elders, for one another. It’s demonstrated in your service for one another. It’s demonstrated even in your behavior on Sunday mornings. It’s something that we hear from visitors often. They comment on the warm welcome they receive here and on the fact that people stay after service just to talk with one another rather than scoot right out the door, talk with one another, pray with one another.

“I am so encouraged when I think of the love of the brethren here — for me, for the elders, for one another.”

This is wonderful, brethren.

Threats to Loving Unity

But Christian brotherhood can be quite fragile if we are not all diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

I fear that our family connections will quickly come apart.

And it happens in seemingly small ways, doesn’t it?

An eye roll, a snicker, a sigh, a bit of gossip, a complaint, a mean joke, a harsh rebuke.

And soon certain people in the church won’t even talk to each other anymore.

Or they would rather leave the church than deal with the misunderstanding and discord.

So another question my dear brothers and sisters another question that I would ask you to ask yourselves is this are you actively contributing to the church’s loving unity or on the contrary by selfishness or neglect are you tearing it Are you actively contributing contributing to this church’s loving unity? Are you destroying it?

“Are you actively contributing to the church’s loving unity, or by selfishness or neglect are you tearing it apart?”

Maybe not intentionally, but just carelessly.

And not just the whole church. What about in your specific ministries?

What about in your small groups? What about in your individual families? What about your friend groups in this church?

Are you a channel of love and upbuilding or of decay and deterioration?

Despite what other people are doing or not doing, are you loving them like Jesus commanded you to do?

Because the command to love one another like Jesus is much easier said than done, isn’t it? Because there is a context which makes obeying the command just a bit more difficult.

The Context of the New Commandment: Jesus’ Failing Brethren

And that context is the third and final clarification of our passage which we see in verses 36 to 38. Let’s look at number three. The context of the new commandment, Jesus failing brethren.

The context in which you are to operate and obey this commandment is Jesus failing brethren.

Look at verse 36a.

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Trust Peter to once again be the first person to say something or do something in response to Jesus words. Got to love the guy, but he gets himself in trouble.

Notice how Peter totally ignores Jesus instruction about love. To address an issue of greater concern. Jesus is going away. What? Jesus, where are you going?

Clearly, this is the declaration that has affected Peter most. His beloved Lord is leaving soon. And even though Jesus just said, “No one, including Peter, can go with Jesus,” Peter’s perhaps already planning to go with Jesus anyways. Just need the meetup location. Jesus, where are you going?

“Peter totally ignores Jesus’ instruction about love to address an issue of greater concern — Jesus is going away.”

Okay. Okay, he said I can’t come, but I’ll be there.

And Jesus lovingly answers the impetuous Peter in the second part of verse 36.

Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.” Notice in Jesus reply that Jesus remains firm in telling Peter that Peter cannot follow Jesus now.

Nevertheless, Jesus reassures Peter that Peter will follow Jesus later. Peter, don’t worry. This isn’t the last we will ever see each other. It’s only a temporary separation.

By the way, did you notice that Jesus still doesn’t tell Peter where he’s going? At least not yet. But the readers already know, don’t they? We already know because of things that the gospel has already revealed to us. And if you’ve read the whole Gospel before even better.

Where is Jesus going?

He’s going to the cross. He’s going to the cross to suffer death on behalf of his people’s sins. Peter’s two.

After that, Jesus is, as he will say in John 14, he’s going to his father to prepare a place for his disciples.

Thus, Jesus must go on ahead alone.

No one can bear the work of redemption with him.

Jesus must blaze the trail by himself.

He must first make the way to the father in himself before anyone can follow.

Peter included.

But once Jesus has made the way, his people will follow. Peter included.

Actually, we’ll see more specifically later in the Gospel of John in John 21:18 and 19. Peter will indeed follow his Lord very closely.

Peter too would one day bear a cross.

Peter too would one day die for God’s sake, for his Lord’s sake. And then Peter would meet Jesus in the father’s house.

Indeed, Peter’s martyrdom probably would have been well known by the time this gospel is written. So when Jesus says, “You will follow me later.” Some of the readers already know what that means.

In some ways, that’s an encouragement.

Peter, you will be faithful to follow me.

But not yet, Peter. I will go ahead of you. You will follow me later, and we will meet again in the Father’s house.

Peter’s Wrong Expectations

But this isn’t enough of an answer to satisfy Peter. So in verse 37 he replies Peter said to him Lord why can I not follow you right now? I will lay down my life for you.

And here we find a statement considered to be one of the most overconfident in the Bible.

And I would agree that it is one of the most overconfident statements but not in the way that most people think.

Notice here, you can’t be too hard on Peter. Notice here that again, Peter’s expressing his genuine loyalty to his Jesus.

Peter loves Jesus. And he cannot bear the thought of being away from him.

Peter probably has a sense that Jesus is facing deadly danger. So Peter, out of love, is willing to face it, too. Jesus, if you’re going into a dark battle, let me be by your side.

I’ll die supporting you.

Would Peter prove true to that word?

Partially, initially, but in the wrong way.

Because we’re going to see in John 18:10 that when the soldiers come for Jesus, who is the only one to draw a sword to defend Jesus? It’s Peter.

He knew that that would likely meant his own death, but he had promised it to Jesus. I will lay down my life for you.

But the problem is that the battle Jesus was facing was not one of swords but of sacrifice.

Thus, though Peter steals himself to fight for Jesus, Peter is not prepared to suffer for Jesus as Jesus willingly gives himself up to die.

That had never entered into Peter’s mind as that that could be the plan of God.

Thus, Peter’s problem is not mere overconfidence, but wrong expectations.

“Peter’s problem is not mere overconfidence, but wrong expectations.”

When nothing seems to go according to plan, Peter’s plan, that’s when Peter’s courage fails and he denies his Lord, as we’ll see in just a second.

And that is a trap that we can fall into as well, isn’t it? It’s not so much that we face different hard things. It’s just that we don’t face them the way that we expect to.

Jesus, I’m willing to suffer for you, but is this the way you have meant? This doesn’t seem like it’s going to accomplish any good at all.

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial

So Peter’s promise will prove ironic not only because Peter promises to lay down his life for Jesus when Jesus is laying down his life for Peter as the good shepherd John 10:11 but also because of what Jesus reveals next our final verse verse 38 Jesus answered will you lay down your life for me truly truly I say to you a rooster will not crow until you deny me three times.

Instead of Peter dying loyally for Jesus, Jesus solemnly foretells that Peter will in fact betray Jesus. Betray Jesus thoroughly by denying Jesus three times before a rooster crows.

Now you say, “What’s the deal with a random rooster?” Well, according to what I could find out, rooster crows don’t begin at dawn like many people expect or think. I don’t know. That’s what I would have learned from cartoons.

Apparently, roosters can crow at any time, but they usually crow about 2 hours before sunrise.

So, depending on the time of year, that might be 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning.

Actually, in ancient Roman timekeeping, 3:00 a.m. Was literally called rooster crow.

So Jesus prophecy to Peter here is not merely a warning to watch out for some random rooster but a promise that Peter would betray Jesus before the early morning arrived.

“Instead of Peter dying loyally for Jesus, Jesus solemnly foretells that Peter will deny Jesus three times.”

Before you hear Mark clarifies even further in his gospel before you hear two rooster crows before oh yeah we’re at rooster crow 3:00 a.m.

You’ll have denied me three times.

This would certainly have been a startling word for Peter and intriguingly we don’t hear any more from him through the rest of the farewell discourse. Doesn’t say anything else.

Of course, Jesus foretelling of this denial is more evidence that Jesus is in control. Everything’s proceeding according to God’s predetermined plan.

Jesus is the Messiah and son of God. You must believe in him.

The Pattern of John 13

But is there anything else in these final verses that has to do with Jesus new commandment?

I believe so. And not just because the new commandment is in the immediate context, but notice this. If you consider John 13 as a whole chapter, you have a pattern repeated.

In verses 1 to three of the chapter, Jesus considers his hour of suffering and glory. Then in verses 4 to 17, Jesus teaches his disciples to follow his example. And then in verses 18 to30, Jesus foretells betrayal by one of his own.

That same pattern, that same order is repeated in the section that we just examined today. Verses 31 to 33, Jesus considers his hour of suffering and glory. Verses 34 to 35, Jesus teaches his disciples to follow his example. And then verses 36- 38, Jesus foretells another betrayal.

Therefore, just as Jesus instruction in John 13:18-20, you might remember how I preached it, it served to clarify that humble service in Jesus’ name would at times be betrayed.

So Jesus implicitly instructs in verses 36 to 38 that Jesus new commandment to love the brethren, it will take place in a context in which the brethren often fail.

“Jesus’ new commandment to love the brethren will take place in a context in which the brethren often fail.”

Though they are true believers, this is different from Judah’s case earlier in the chapter. Though these are true believers, our brethren will at times by sin betray their Lord and betray us. Sometimes in small ways, sometimes in big ways.

Loving When It’s Hard

Will we still love them as Jesus loves us when they do so?

Because that is the real test of love, isn’t it?

Consider the unbelieving people of the world.

Are they loving?

In a way, yes. But to whom?

To those who love them, to those who give them what they want. As soon as they stop receiving love from somebody or they stop receiving what they want from somebody, what do unbelievers generally do? They stop loving that person.

This is why Jesus says in Matthew 5 that no one ought to expect heavenly reward for loving those who love them. For Jesus says, “Do not the tax collectors and the Gentiles do the same?” The worst sinners you can think of, don’t they do that, too?

But what about believers? What about Jesus true disciples?

Do they still love when sinned against?

When failed, when not loved in return.

Yes, not perfectly, of course, but characteristically, increasingly, in a growing way.

This, as you’ve already seen, is what should mark off Christians, even you and me, even our church from the world.

When it is difficult to love one another, when we’ve been hurt and offended, we do it anyways.

Why? Because Jesus told us to.

And because Jesus loves that person and because Jesus loves us, we of course must remember no matter how badly we are sinned against, misunderstood, or inconvenienced, we have done far worse to Christ ourselves.

“When it is difficult to love one another, when we’ve been hurt, we do it anyways — we have done far worse to Christ.”

And not just once, over and over again.

So you ever say, “All right, he’s done it to me too many times, or she’s done it to me too many times. I’m just not going to be around that person anymore.

I’m not going to love that person anymore. Does Jesus do that with you?

So what must we do from the heart?

From the heart, we are to forgive and love the failing Peters in our lives because we know we are failing Peters, too.

Yet Jesus still forgives us, loves us, restores us by his love.

Thus, we can also consider this implication.

The Test of True Love

If you find that you simply cannot love the brethren, I love Jesus, but I can’t stand those Christians.

If you find you just cannot love the brethren, you don’t have the time, it’s too much work, or they’ve just hurt you too much, and understand you have condemned yourself.

You’ve exposed yourself to be a false disciple of Jesus.

Because how did Jesus say the world would know his true disciples? By their love for one another.

Why doesn’t it say by their love for God? Well, that’s easier to fake, but love for one another, that’s harder to fake. So, it becomes the chief distinguishing sign of believers.

And this is the lesson the Apostle John took to heart. Thus, we see his famous words in 1 John 4:7 to8. 1 John 4:7 to8 John writes there, “Beloved, let us love one another,” for love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:7-8: “Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Friends and brethren, do the God of love?

Have you experienced the love of God in Jesus Christ?

A Call to Love

Then show that same love to others.

First to your brethren and then to the rest of the world.

Jesus has freed you up to this by his new covenant. He’s taken care of everything that you could possibly need.

He’s bestowed on you every blessing that really matters.

So then love everyone.

Love the neglected and ignored. Love the ones who are struggling with sin. Love the ones who are hard to love. Love the ones, yes, who have hurt you the most.

Jesus says that whenever you do this, when you do this even for the least of his brethren, you do it to him and you’re not going to lose your reward for that. So, let’s do that. Let’s do that as a church.

Make Calvary not being known simply as a a warm place for visitors. We certainly want it to be that. But let it be the sanctuary of love in a world that is full of hate. Let it be that here love, true love felt and shown. It is the continual joyous reality of all the children of God here. We all have our contributions to that. The Lord has freed us up to it. May we take the Lord up. May we obey his command where we take up the opportunity for our own joy, for the joy of our brethren, and for his glory.

“Love the neglected. Love those struggling with sin. Love the ones who are hard to love. Love even those who have hurt you the most.”

Closing Prayer

Let’s pray to the Lord about this as we close.

God in heaven, we were talking in Sunday school this morning about the Trinity.

And I’m reminded now Part of what makes the Trinity so glorious is that it is an opportunity for God to display love within himself.

God, you are love.

And the love that the father has for the son and the son has for the father and that the father and son have for the holy spirit.

We can only begin to comprehend.

Yet you communicate to us in different ways in your word that we do comprehend that love in a certain way when we show the very same kind of love to one another.

Thus, John can rightly say, “If we don’t love, we don’t know you because you are love.” Lord, help us to obey this command. It is a good command. It’s a glorious command. It’s a beautiful command. We see it. And if you have worked your salvation in us, we cannot help but say, “This is good. I want to do it.” But we can only do it with your help.

Because when we’re sinned against, when there’s a big misunderstanding, when we’re exhausted, suddenly love becomes really hard and we make all sorts of excuses.

But Lord, you are worthy of more than that. And really, it’s for our own joy that we would love. So God, help us.

Help us God to get rid of whatever thoughts, beliefs, expectations, desires that are ungodly, unhelpful, and that hinder us from loving one another.

Oh Lord, often times it’s just simple the it’s just the simple expectation of you better treat me well before I love you.

And Lord, I pray that we would all give that up because God, if that were the expectation with you, we would never be loved by you. Because we have not treated you well.

Even in our believing in you, God, that was only because you changed our hearts.

We had no love for you before, only hatred, and we were justly condemned to hell.

So, you loved us despite our sin, and you showed us this is how we are to love one another. God, help us to do that. We believe you have helped us to do that.

Not just by bringing us into your new covenant, but by teaching us this word today. I pray God that we would put it into practice and we would have so much joy as a result in Jesus name. Amen.

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