Marks of Discipleship #2:
The Love Principle
Text: John 13:33-34
Thesis: To note that a true disciple of Christ is one who loves as Jesus loves.
Introduction:
(1) John mentions 3 marks of discipleship.
(2) Today, we will look at the second of the three, which is love.
(a) This command is said to be a “new” one.
(b) But … the OT demanded love (e.g., Lev. 19.18).
(c) However, the depth of the love is new: “as I have loved you.”
(3) How did Jesus love?
Discussion:
I. A Selfless love –
A. An example of Jesus’ selflessness is His washing the disciples’ feet (John 13.1ff.).
B. To have the love of Christ, we must think of others above ourselves.
1. The Good Samaritan is another good example of this kind of love (Luke 10:25ff.).
2. Basically, we must humble ourselves and help others when we see a need.
3. Also, we are not to love others only because of what we can get out of it.
II. A Forgiving love –
A. Jesus was/is a forgiving Master.
1. Think of Jesus’ words upon the cross.
2. Think of Jesus’ dealings with Peter after the denial.
B. To have the love of Christ, we must be willing to forgive.
1. How often? 70 times 7?
2. If we do not forgive others, then we ourselves will not be forgiven (Matt. 18:21f.).
III. A Sacrificial love –
A. Jesus sacrificed everything for us because He loved us.
B. To have the love of Christ, we must sacrifice.
1. One correctly wrote: “…it is impossible to truly love without sacrifice” (J. Jones, Discipleship in God’s Eternal Purpose 53).
2. Parents sacrifice for children. Mates sacrifice for each other. Christians also sacrifice for each other (e.g., Gal. 6:10).
Conclusion:
- “The supreme evidence of discipleship, the authentic badge, is genuine love” (J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Discipleship 29).
