Title: As I Have Loved You
---
John 13:21–38
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. (ESV)
---
In his sermon, Jed Gillis examines John 13:21-38, focusing on Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us. The passage begins with Jesus expressing deep emotional turmoil, revealing that one of His disciples will betray Him. Despite the uncertainty among the disciples, Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer by giving him a morsel of bread. This act sets the stage for a significant teaching moment.
After Judas leaves to fulfill his betrayal, Jesus speaks to the remaining disciples about His imminent glorification through His death. He emphasizes that His departure will bring glory to both Himself and God the Father. With this context, Jesus introduces a new commandment: "Love one another just as I have loved you." This command is revolutionary because it establishes a new community standard based on Jesus' sacrificial love.
Gillis underscores that this love is not merely an abstract concept but involves practical service, forgiveness, and displaying God's glory in our interactions. He challenges believers to root their lives in this commandment, recognizing that love for fellow believers is a testament to their discipleship. Through this lens, loving others becomes an act of worship and obedience to Christ's example.
The sermon concludes by encouraging self-reflection and reliance on God's grace to fulfill this high calling. By acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking God's help, we can strive to love others as Christ loves us, thereby demonstrating genuine faith to the world.
---
Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
