Loving Each Other in the Church

November 4, 2023

John 13:31-38 | Hebrews 13:1-8

There’s something both haunting and encouraging about this interchange between Peter & Jesus. Peter had access to Jesus for some three years. He was there for the miracles, saw with his own eyes the water into wine, little food into much, Lazarus’ body coming forth from the tomb still with grave clothes on. Peter had a front row seat to the incredible work of the Son of God.

…and he will still yet deny knowing him when things get tough.

This is not offered as an excuse for bad faith or weak actions. But it might be an encouragement that when we too are less than faithful, we are in good company.

We’re still in the context and room of the foot-washing. It’s in that context that Jesus gives the “new” commandment: to love one another. It’s also in the context of Judas’ departure. Was Jesus telling the disciples to love Judas, too?

Regardless, Jesus exactly says that the marker of his people will be how they love each other. The designation is not a symbol, not a color or flag, not some kind of clothing or lapel pin, not even a body modification like a tattoo or circumcision. The identifying thing for Christians is how they love each other.

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John 13:31-38

When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Human One has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One in himself and will glorify him immediately. Little children, I’m with you for a little while longer. You will look for me—but, just as I told the Jewish leaders, I also tell you now—‘Where I’m going, you can’t come.’

“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

Simon Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you can’t follow me now, but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I’ll give up my life for you.”

Jesus replied, “Will you give up your life for me? I assure you that you will deny me three times before the rooster crows.

Hebrews 13:1-8

Keep loving each other like family. Don’t neglect to open up your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it. Remember prisoners as if you were in prison with them, and people who are mistreated as if you were in their place. Marriage must be honored in every respect, with no cheating on the relationship, because God will judge the sexually immoral person and the person who commits adultery. Your way of life should be free from the love of money, and you should be content with what you have. After all, he has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. This is why we can confidently say,

The Lord is my helper,
    and I won’t be afraid.
What can people do to me?

Remember your leaders who spoke God’s word to you. Imitate their faith as you consider the way their lives turned out. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Prayer

God,

I confess I get frustrated sometimes. It seems so simple: Jesus’ commandment to love each other. I know it’s not that simple, it means overcoming differences and that’s not easy. But we make it harder on ourselves. The Church, I mean.

We’re so absent to one another. How can we love each other if we’re not in the same room together often enough? I sometimes get envious of my friends who live together in monastic settings. I know you haven’t called me to that life. But there’s got to be something in the middle between monasticism and seeing each other - at best - once a week for an hour or two.

I will continue to do my best in loving those I am with all the time - my family. But something tells me this is not the complete picture you meant for us. The family unit is not the Church.

So help me, God: Give me opportunity to love my brothers & sisters more than in thought. Draw us closer. Put us together not just in worship, but in discipleship and action. May the world see and know - if nothing else, but also in everything - that we love each other.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.