What do people think of Christians? What are the things that distinguish Christians from non-Christians?
Answers: Going to church? Don’t swear? Like karaoke? Like shouting in the street?
If you love one another
Read:
John 13:34-35 (NIRV)
34 “I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. 35 If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.”
1. Command: Love one another
a. It is a command.
b. It is a new command.
c. It is a command given by Jesus.
d. It is a command given to you/us.
Discussion 1:
Why is “loving one another” a “command”? How can you command someone to love?
2. Power to love:
Jesus showing his love:
Feet washing (John 13:1-17)
Bread breaking with traitor Judas (John 13:21-30)
The Cross
How can Jesus do that? How can you love one another when they are not so loveable?
John 15:9-12 (NIRV)
9 “Just as the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. In the same way, I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that you will have the same joy that I have. I also want your joy to be complete. 12 Here is my command. Love one another, just as I have loved you.
Just as the Father loved Jesus --> Jesus loved men --> Christians love one another
Jesus loved men because of the Father --> Christians love one another because of Jesus
When going gets tough, shift to “Love Jesus mode”
Discussion 2:
Please share an experience of loving another one or being loved by another person. Is it hard or easy?
3. If we love one another
If you / we love one another, everyone will know you /we are my disciples.
John 13:31 (NIRV)
31 After Judas was gone, Jesus spoke. He said, “Now the Son of Man receives glory. And he brings glory to God.
