It's About Time

John 13 34:35 “I give you a new commandment:  love one another.   As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.  This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

In preparation of His departure Jesus the Son of God gave his disciples a new commandment to love one another as He has loved them.  Further He tells them that this will be the visible sign or way to identify those who are His true disciples.  On the surface and at that moment when Jesus is telling His disciples this new commandment, it must have sounded just like a nice sentimental thought before saying goodbye.  In fact, the scriptures document the disciples’ failure to realize or even ponder its profound meaning.  Instead Peter is simply concerned with His departure by asking, “Master, where are you going?”  Not even stopping to ask for further guidance on this new commandment - a commandment…not a recommendation or suggestion but a full fledged commandment.   All Peter can think about is His leaving and selfishly wanting to know where He is going and “why can’t I follow you now?”  - not asking “why can’t WE follow you” but selfishly asking “why can’t I follow you”.

Today as Peter did then, are we overlooking this new commandment too and distracted by our daily worries/fears instead of taking to heart the importance of what Jesus is commanding  us to do here?  Are we thinking/praying about what it truly means to love one another as He loved us?  Is it about time we open our ears, hearts and minds to follow Jesus’ new commandment?

Remember…if you want to find followers of Jesus look no further than those who are truly loving one another.  Then you will be in good company!