In this study we will study the subject of love, and Jesus' command to his disciples to love one another will
be the main focus. The love for one another among the disciples and followers of the lord Jesus Christ is often today a
missing element among Christians. Jesus Christ however had emphasized this aspect when he spoke of the particulars
whereby his disciples could be known by others.
A section from John 13 is at the center of our interests in this
study.
John 13:1–5:
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
This introductory section in John 13 speaks of the foot washing which happened at the last supper Jesus had
with his disciples when he washed their feet. That very same evening, only a few hours after this event, Jesus was
arrested and taken captive and finally crucified after about 40 hours of interrogation and suffering.1
This washing of the feet was not simply a normal washing of the feet, as can be seen
from the verses which follow. Jesus Christ was giving an example to his disciples which they were to follow.
John 13:6:
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
Peter made a valid point with his question. Normally, it would have been the duty of one of the lowest slaves
in the house to wash the feet of the guests. Each time when a guest was entering the house, even if it was several
times a day, his feet would be washed. At certain times or special occasions the head of the house or host would
perform this, such as when a very honored guest would visit. By doing this, the host would show his esteem and honor to
his guest.
Peter had perhaps waited a short while, maybe he also was first in line. But when Jesus now came to him,
Peter at first refused in no uncertain terms to be treated like that by his master. He wanted to clarify who was in
what position. Jesus Christ was the master, the lord, and Peter realized quite correctly that it would normally be
rather his or one of the other disciples' duty of washing another's feet. But before Peter could continue to say more,
Jesus began explaining a few points to him.
John 13:7–9:
Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
Peter was quite impulsive, he spoke openly what he thought. At first he further emphasized his argument from before, but then he took quite a turn, because not having any part with Jesus was certainly not what he desired. Now he perhaps thought it would become better with more body parts being involved in the washing. Also, Peter was somewhat of a special character, he didn't quite understand the matter but immediately drew the next conclusion and proclaimed what he had come up with.
John 13:10:
Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
Jesus now made reference once again to the oriental custom of washing the feet. Of course, at the time, people
wore long garments and when travelling on a dusty road with open sandals and coming to a house, it would only be the
feet which would require washing because only the feet would be dirty. Otherwise a man was clean and would not require
any washing. When a guest arrived at the house, he would be clean and only in need of a foot washing.
Jesus
utilized this picture in order to give the disciples some further instruction. In between though he disclosed another
matter to them.
John 13:10 and 11:
…and ye are clean, but not all.
For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
Verse 11 is a parenthesis from the perspective of the evangelist. This verse is not part of what happened, but is inserted in order to explain to the reader why Jesus spoke these words. We learn that Jesus already knew about his betrayer.
John 13:12–15:
So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Here now it becomes clear what Jesus wanted to achieve. It was not just a matter of washing feet. This one act
was representative of service in a more general way. Jesus chose this special act of service, which on one side was
performed by the lowest servant of the house on the other hand was done by the head of the house for his most honored
guests, as the example for service as a whole. In other words, if I, your lord and master, have served you in this
manner, you also now are to serve one another in such a way! The one act is an example for service in a general
way.
Verse 15 then shows us why Jesus did this. It was not a matter of just washing their feet, Jesus had in mind
to give them an example of service which they then could follow. His service was an expression of his great love which
he had for them. In his service this love was expressed.
In John 13, a few more things are mentioned in the
context. Jesus began speaking that he would still be with them for a short time and afterwards would no longer be with
them. Also, they would not be able to follow him where he was to go. After these explanations, a further encouragement
and exhortation for the disciples follows in which Jesus again spoke of the topic of love.
John 13:34 and 35:
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
In these verses is mentioned what could be called "the badge of Christianity" — "if ye have love one to
another". It is not a matter of having all kinds of different things one for another. They were to love one another in
a way in which he had loved them. How had he loved them? He had consistently given them God's Word and lived it as an
example for them. He had kept God's commandments and had given much to them. Just prior to this he had washed their
feet and given them an example of his love. In that was manifest how much he had loved them. They now were to love on
another in the same manner.
To have love for on another is called a "new commandment" here. Jesus gave them a new
commandment. To love one another was not necessarily totally new. A commandment to love one's neighbor was
already part of the Law. But this love was given a new dimension. They were to love one another as Christ had loved
them in a completely selfless manner. The foot washing had demonstrated to them that for him the distinction "master or
servant" was not decisive, because this type of love was not dependent upon a position. How much he loved them he had
just demonstrated in providing for them the lowest kind of service.
In John 15 the topic of "love one another" is
once again mentioned.
John 15:9 and 10:
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
The "continue ye in my love" is connected with "keep my commandments". The Word of God is a very decisive and important element when it comes to love. This love for one another is not determined by feelings, not determined by circumstances or other things. This love is based upon the Word of God and on His commandments. One remains or continues in this love by keeping God's commandments.
John 15:10–17:
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Several times Jesus used emphatic words of commanding — this commandment, a new commandment, whatever I
command you — when he spoke to his disciples and told them that they were to love one another.
Now, we want to
include a few more scriptures in which love for one another is being spoken of. In Romans we have revelation in God's
Word which is addressed directly to the believers of the church of the body of Christ, i.e. which is directly
applicable and valid for us.
Romans 12:9 and 10:
Let love be without dissimulation [not hypocritical]. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another ["one to another"] with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another [here again the "one another"!];
To prefer one another in honour – this Jesus demonstrated as well by washing their feet. Such a display of giving honour was at first far to much for Peter which is why he wanted to refuse being served by his lord in this way. But after some explanatory words he totally changed his opinion and wanted even more than was really available.
Romans 13:8–10:
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Loving one another, loving one's neighbour, was a commandment of the Law. In Leviticus it was already written,
"Thou shalt love thy neighbour …" It is remarkable that in the love for the neighbour, in loving one's neighbour,
the Law really is fulfilled.
Verse 8 at times is mentioned in connection with finances in order to forbid
Christians to have debts of any kind. But this verse really speaks of a far greater issue. Christians are to owe no man
anything nor to remain in debt to people which definitely demands that we as believers do everything to pay off any
debts we may have. But this verse does actually state that we are constantly in a certain debt and that we will
continue to have this debt all the time: To love one another is something we owe each other and which we will continue
to be indebted to each other!
Galatians 5:13 and 14:
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Verse 14 emphasizes again that love is the fulfillment of the Law. This love then shows itself and is
demonstrated by the service we give each other. Jesus Christ's example is expressed in the words "by love serve
one another". That was his example! He served others and even provided for them the lowest service by washing their
feet.
In Ephesians 4 again the love for one another is mentioned, here in the context of "forbearing one
another".
Ephesians 4:2:
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
In some instances in life a forbearing is necessary and required. This again is a commandment we have. Some
things in God's Word are given to us as commandments, and they are not just mentioned as one alternative among several
others.
In den Church Epistles, the topic of "love one another" is repeatedly emphasized, and in 1. Thessalonians 3
the apostle Paul speaks about it in a prayer.
1 Thessalonians 3:10–13:
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
The request in this prayer shows that we really never reach the final point in this matter of "loving one
another". It is always possible to increase and to abound by God's help and His provision, for He can cause us to
increase and abound in love one toward another. We are to grow and increase in this matter and to abound in it. The
word for "abound" is related to a word used in John 10:10 where is said that Jesus came that we may have life and that
we may have it "more abundantly". The "more abundantly" speaks of "abounding" and "overflowing". We are to especially
abound in love one toward another, wherein a life more abundantly is expressed and manifested.
Another point is
added here. Our love at first extends to "one another", i.e. to the believers in the church; but then it is added that
we are also to abound in love "toward all men" and show forth God's abundant grace and His gracious working in our
lives in an ever increasing manner.
1 Thessalonians 4:9:
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
The brotherly love, the human friendliness and kindness among brethren in the church does not need many words because we are already taught in the Word of God to love one another with the love of God. This love is somewhat on a higher level than "brotherly love or kindness". If we love one another with this love, there is no exhortation for brotherly love needed nor an explanation necessary.
1 Peter 1:22 and 23:
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Verse 22 exhorts us to love one another fervently out of a pure heart. A "pure heart" describes the same as what is said just before with "have purified your souls". This purification happens by being obedient to the truth, and then we indeed can love one another with unfeigned love of the brethren. This must be a great concern for us because we are born again of incorruptible seed. If the new birth means that much to us then we will endeavour to love one another in a greater degree and more fervently out of our pure hearts.
1 Peter 4:8:
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
A fervent love for one another has tremendous power. What love can achieve is set forth in a citation from
Proverbs 10 — "for charity shall cover the multitude of sins". Love does not continually remind of each and every
sin, does not set forth even the smallest little sin. No, rather the opposite is true, it covers even a multitude of
sins!
We want to still add a few of the very well known verses about love from 1 John. It certainly does not hurt
to look at some verses again which have perhaps been read many times before.
1 John 3:11:
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
In this section, in the Greek texts the word for "love" is used which describes the love of God. It is the type of love which God has shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit and which we now can manifest in our lives. This is the type of love which is only possible for a Christian, because it comes from God and is given to us in the new birth.2
1 John 4:7:
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Here we again can see the relationship: Love is of God, and it is only possible for someone who is born of God to love with this love. Seen from this perspective, to love one another is certainly a new matter, because it is only available to born again Christians.
1 John 4:11 and 12:
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
The importance of love for one another becomes more and more evident with each verse we read. It is always a
matter of this great commandment, the great concern, that we are to love one another with this love of God. If we keep
God's commandments in this matter then God remains in us and this love is made perfect in us.
Two verses from
Ephesians 4 are placed at the conclusion of this study about the love for one another in the church of God.
Ephesians 4:15 and 16:
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
It is remarkable how "love" encloses these two verses — at the beginning and at the end of this statement
we find the word "love" placed for emphasis.
What is said in the beginning here reminds of what was said in Romans
12:9 already very pointedly and emphatically, "Love be without hypocrisy." Here now it is said in a different way, "But
speaking the truth in love …" which more literally would be "Let us be truthful in love". And at the end we read
the important words that the church as the body of Christ increases "unto the edifying of itself in love". In this we
can recognize a bit what is stated in 1 Corinthians 8:1, "Love edifies".
The church forms one body in which the
members are already linked together and one member is fitly joined together to another. If we think of the picture of a
soccer team for a moment, then we have a certain number of players which come together on to the field and which play
as a team. There is something which binds them together, and what binds them together is of an intentional nature. It
is an idea, a common goal, it is the desire to win which binds them together for the duration of the game and makes
them to work together as one team or one organism. After the game they go each their separate ways and they are once
again separate people. They are only "joined together" by an idea or a common goal for a period of time.
We
Christians in the church of the body of Christ are united by more than just a common idea or a common goal during a
relatively short period of time. We are united by means of God's spirit which we all have received. God has placed us
in a body and we thus are joined one to another. We cannot just disconnect from one another. We are placed into this
body of the church, we are members of this body which are joined one to another. We are connected by means of the
spirit of God which we all received in the new birth. Therefore we can and should love one another continually are.
This love for one another is not dependent on a common goal we pursue for a little while. We are connected by God's
spirit, we all have "Christ in us, the hope of glory".
Now we also realize which important function the love
amongst one another has: This is how each member supports and helps the other. Galatians 5 spoke of serving one another
in this love. In another place we were encouraged to prefer one another in honour by loving each other. Here we now
read, "… according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love." The body increases and edifies itself when the members love one another. When the Word of
God is the measure for faith and practice for each member and when the members love one another by a walk of love then
the body can and will increase and be edified in this love.
But how often do we still see pre-eminently the idea
among Christians that the church is the place where we go in order for to receive, to take, take, take; there we go
when we want our needs met. The members only have their own needs in view and the question of importance is then often,
"What does my affiliation with this church do for me? What am I profited from being in this church? How does this
church help me? What is being done for me here?" One of the great things in life which all seek and what all have a
desire for is love. We are looking for love and want to take as much of it as possible from whichever place we can get
it.
However, the far greater thing is to give, give, give! Only when something is being given first is there
anything for the taking. How much love can be expected in a fellowship where all complain that they would like to
receive more love? Let's say, in a fellowship of believers there are ten members of the body assembled and all of them
want to take love. How much love are they going to receive? How much support will they each have? None!
This
situation will only change when at least one of them says, "I want to give a little love here!" Only then is there
anything there for someone to take and receive. Only when there is an orientation for giving — and love is
directed toward the other, not self, and toward giving to the other — can edification take place. Thus the body
will then increase and edify itself in love.
All our knowledge alone does not help us much. Of course, love is when
we keep God's commandments which means that we first must know God's commandments. A knowledge of the Word of God is of
great importance for loving one another. However, the knowledge of God's Word is not "the badge of Christianity" by
which the disciples of Jesus are to be known. John 13:35 told us instead, "By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another." When we think of this and keep our eyes fixed on this we can profit greatly
and see how the church life will become more lively, more efficient and effective, more of a blessing in so many
regards. Then there will be an effective service one for another and the blessings which God can provide will be
greater than ever before.
And we will be more effective in winning others to Christ. People feel drawn and
attracted where love for one another is manifested. Some are attracted by a great knowledge, but more will be
established by the love of God. It attracts greatly. It is the goodness of God which leads to repentance, When people
see with their own eyes what God has worked in someone's life and what is manifested in the love which people then have
for one another, they will be attracted to that.
This love we are to have for one another is indeed the badge of
Christianity, by it we distinguish ourselves from others. We should not try and hide this distinguishing mark from
others, we are not to be "under cover" — no. This love we have for one another should be recognizable from afar
already.
1 Many details of the events in the last days before Jesus' crucifixion and death are set forth in the book Jesus Christ Our Passover by Victor Paul Wierwille. Some of the aspects which are helpful to gain an understanding about this meal can be found there. Cp. Wierwille, Victor Paul: Jesus Christ Our Passover. New Knoxville, Ohio: American Christian Press, 1980.
2 Cp. Romans 5:5.