I like how the Bible makes the statement "God is love." (1 John 4:8) If this verse were absent from Scripture, do you think we would be able to discern this characteristic of God?
This Sunday's Gospel brings us to the Farewell Address of Jesus to his disciples in the Upper Room just prior to his crucifixion. The message contains words of love. We have these words:
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." (John 15:9) Do you capture how powerful these words must be for Jesus and for his followers just prior to his death? Jesus is telling them how much he has loved them; all which stems from the love that has flowed from God to him. Jesus now wants his followers to abide in this love. Immediately Jesus also makes the statement: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)
Amid all the tensions that can develop in being a follower of our Lord, Jesus had the expectation that love would win out in the end. We also need to think of how present this love is for us in the body of Christ. If anything, as a community of believers, we ought to be shining examples of living out this love.
Jesus' love for us came out in his sacrifice on the cross. There simply was no greater love. The love of God flowed into him and then from Jesus to us. We, therefore, are to continue in this love.
In preparation for Sunday's worship, you may read the Gospel John 15:9-17. May the contemplation of our Lord's words and your worship be a blessing for you.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
Can you think of any examples of sacrificial love in our world today or in the church?
How would you unpack those words of Jesus in a concrete way when he said, "abide in my love?"
This Sunday's Gospel brings us to the Farewell Address of Jesus to his disciples in the Upper Room just prior to his crucifixion. The message contains words of love. We have these words:
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." (John 15:9) Do you capture how powerful these words must be for Jesus and for his followers just prior to his death? Jesus is telling them how much he has loved them; all which stems from the love that has flowed from God to him. Jesus now wants his followers to abide in this love. Immediately Jesus also makes the statement: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)
Amid all the tensions that can develop in being a follower of our Lord, Jesus had the expectation that love would win out in the end. We also need to think of how present this love is for us in the body of Christ. If anything, as a community of believers, we ought to be shining examples of living out this love.
Jesus' love for us came out in his sacrifice on the cross. There simply was no greater love. The love of God flowed into him and then from Jesus to us. We, therefore, are to continue in this love.
In preparation for Sunday's worship, you may read the Gospel John 15:9-17. May the contemplation of our Lord's words and your worship be a blessing for you.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
Can you think of any examples of sacrificial love in our world today or in the church?
How would you unpack those words of Jesus in a concrete way when he said, "abide in my love?"
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