As I Have Loved You
John 13: 31 - 35
Intro: (Letter from Sermon Central) “Dearest, darling Jimmy, No words can ever express the great unhappiness I’ve felt since breaking our engagement. I miss you so! NO one could ever take your place in my heart, so please forgive me. Please say you’ll take me back. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you! Yours forever, Marie. --- PS Congratulations on winning the lottery.”
I VS 34 “A New command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
A The GK for “command” is entole. It concerns matters of moral gravity and is not limited in duration or person.
B This is not a suggestion! It is a command! It is not optional; it is mandatory.
C As a follower of Christ Jesus we must LOVE!
II The GK for “love” used here means “to seek the best for another with no thought of what you might receive in return.
A It is not a sappy feeling; rather, Jesus is calling the disciples and us to action.
B The key word here is “AS” It is a preposition which does not mean “As well as.” Jesus is not saying, “I love you, so you should love each other.”
C The word “AS” carries with it the meaning “IN LIKE MANNER.” Jesus is saying to love each other in the same way HE loves us.
III Love is not a noun. Here in the GK agapao is a verb. The reason for loving is given in verse 35.
A VS. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
B. When others look at you, do they see the love of Christ or something else?
C Granted, there are moments when not a single fiber of your being is feels loving. Jesus didn’t say it would be easy.
Concl: Liza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, sings a commanding song to Freddie, “Don’t talk of love lasting through time. Make me no undying vow. Show me’ show me now!
