Jesus Christ is one of the most talked-about personalities in history. His teachings and life have inspired billions of people across the world for centuries.
One of the most significant events in Jesus’ life was his crucifixion, which happened after he was betrayed by one of his disciples. Before his death, Jesus gave a new commandment to his disciples that has become one of the most important and well-known teachings in Christianity.
The new commandment that Jesus gave to his disciples before his death was this: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This new commandment is different from the Ten Commandments given to Moses in the Old Testament as it emphasizes love and selflessness rather than rules and restrictions.
Jesus’ new commandment has been interpreted in different ways by various Christian denominations. However, it is generally agreed that the essence of this teaching is to love others as Jesus loved us – unconditionally and sacrificially.
To understand this new commandment better, let’s break it down into its key components:
New Command: The phrase “a new command” implies that this teaching was not something that had been taught before. It was a fresh revelation from Jesus.
Love One Another: The essence of this commandment is to love others unconditionally and selflessly. This means putting others’ needs before our own and treating them with kindness, compassion, and respect.
As I Have Loved You: Jesus sets himself as an example for how we should love others. He showed us what true love looks like by sacrificing himself on the cross for our sins.
So You Must Love One Another: This phrase emphasizes that loving others is not optional or a suggestion but a requirement for all believers.
The significance of this new commandment cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of Christian faith and practice.
In fact, in John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” This means that our love for others is not only a way to show our obedience to Jesus but also a witness to the world of his love.
Jesus’ new commandment challenges us to love others as he loved us. It calls us to put our own desires and interests aside and serve others with humility and compassion. It teaches us that true greatness comes not from power or wealth but from serving others.
In conclusion, the new commandment that Jesus gave to his disciples before his death was to love one another as he loved us. This teaching is the foundation of Christian faith and practice and calls us to serve others with humility and compassion. May we strive to live out this new commandment in our daily lives as a witness to the world of Jesus’ love.