Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:31; 34-35
Lord Jesus, today is the day of Holy Week we call “Maundy (Mandate) Thursday.” It’s the day you mandated love—your love, to be the essential meaning and mark of our discipleship.
Having loved your broken disciples well, you showed them “the full extent of your love.” But the humility you showed, disrobing to wash their feet, was just a preview to you being stripped naked, and nailed to the cross, to wash their hearts, and ours.
Having shared eternal glory with the Father (Phil. 2:1-5), you share measureless grace with everyone who trusts in you. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Wonder of wonders, you died for us, not because we were “friendly,” but while we were “sinners,” and “God’s enemies” (Romans 5:8-10).
And now, Lord Jesus, in your resurrection glory, you remain committed to showing us the fullness and “full extent of your love”—it’s “width, length, height, and depth” (Eph. 3:14-19).
For the rest of our days—no matter who’s standing in front of us, no matter the heartaches we carry or the challenges we face, may these 5 words fuel our worship and shape our lives: “As I have loved you.” So very Amen we pray, in your holy and loving name.