John 13:35 – Verse of the Day 9/24/13

This verse immediately follows Jesus’ “Great Commandment” in the preceding verse, a command to love others as He has loved us (John 13:34).  This Commandment comes on the heels of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17 and predicting his betrayal by Judas in 13:18-30).  Just as his own ministry was a ministry of self-sacrificial love, Jesus calls His disciples to follow His example.

God’s love was most perfectly demonstrated for us in Jesus’ death for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).  Although we rejected God, he loved us so much that Jesus willingly gave up his life in order to restore our relationship with our heavenly Father.  Give thanks to God for what He has done for you, and pray that you would love others as God has first loved you.