JESUS’ WAY OF LOVING!
John 13:31-38
INTRODUCTION: The church, “the called-out-ones” make up ¼ of the population of this earth. Yes, it is true 2.2 billion people on the earth claim to be Christians and are a part of the church “God’s called-out-ones.” Christianity has had a remarkable growth over the years without big names leading that growth. Our question is “What drew people to the church? Why did so many people leave their former faiths and put their faith in Jesus Christ? Why today are so many leaving the church? Sadly the church has left off Jesus way of loving people. Jesus’ way of loving is not something we can manufacture on our own. It is a kind of love we must take specific steps both to experience it and to express it to others.
I. JESUS WAY TO LOVE!
On the night before Jesus’ crucifixion just after the last supper, Judas left to betray his Master of three years, and Jesus is about to give His last will and testament: John 13:34-35. Why is this a new commandment? Because of the kind of love Jesus had shown. The Greek language has words for several different kinds of love. “Eros” love referred to the strong passionate, sexual desire that should be expressed between married people. “Philia” love was the love shown between very close friends. But the word Jesus used here is the “agape.” The word “agape” appears 250 times in the New Testament. This is a spiritual kind of love that goes far beyond anything the human heart could manufacture on its own. John 13:34. This is a commandment to all those who claim to be a part of Christ’s church. This kind of love does not come by feeling it, it comes from obeying our Lord. Jesus said: John 14:15.
II. SHOWING JESUS’ LOVE!
Jesus not only tells us to love one another but He also tells us how to do it: John 13:34. Jesus didn’t just say that He loved other people, but He showed that He loved other people. We are to emulate His example on how He loved others. Jesus loved sacrificially. Jesus always put others as more important than Himself. We, as Christians have the love of Christ in ourselves: Romans 5:3-8. Jesus didn’t just say “I love you!” Jesus showed His love by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, ministering to the hurting, and dying for the world. If we open our eyes we can see needs all around us where we could love others Jesus’ way. We have a mandate from heaven to love one another and we have the model from Jesus on how to do it.
III. SHARING CHRIST!
Now Jesus shows us the secret to that kind of magnetic love: John 13;34-35. This is so different from how so many Christians today operate. When we love others with the same love Jesus has shown for us then our lives will draw others to our Jesus. God’s love shown in actions of His love will draw many to trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Love can be visiting the sick and feeding the hungry and clothing the poor. Evangelism and sharing the Gospel really does have two parts. It is not just “tell” but it is also “show.: Actions do really speak louder than words. When we show the love of Christ the world will understand our message better: 1 John 3:11-18. The number one mark of true followers of Jesus Christ has always been “see how they love one another!” There is no greater magnet, no greater attractive force to an unbelieving world than when we chose to love each other as Jesus loved us.