John 13:31–35
The Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C
As I Have Loved You
John 13:31–35
Opening Reflection
This isn’t a teaching from the mountaintop. It’s not part of a miracle or a public rebuke.
These words come from the upper room, after Judas has left into the night.
Jesus knows what’s coming. The betrayal. The arrest. The cross. And still, he speaks of glory. Not the kind we expect. Not power or triumph. But the glory of love poured out.
Before the end begins, Jesus gives his disciples one last, defining command:
“Love one another. As I have loved you.”
This isn’t a suggestion or a warm sentiment. It’s the essence of resurrection life.
This is how the world will know who we are: not by our arguments, but by our love.
Context
Literary Setting: This passage occurs during Jesus’ final meal with his disciples in John’s Gospel. Judas has just left to betray him (John 13:30), and Jesus turns to the remaining eleven with what feels like a final instruction.
Historical Setting: The disciples are on the edge of trauma. The air is thick with confusion and foreboding. Rome’s grip is tightening. Their rabbi speaks like someone preparing to leave, but not abandon.
Theological Frame: This “new commandment” redefines the heart of faith. It centers discipleship not in doctrine, but in self-giving love. Jesus is about to embody that love with his life. And we are invited to carry it forward.
Read the Passage
John 13:31–35 (NLT)
31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him.
32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will soon give glory to the Son.
33 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going.
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Key Insights
Love Is the Mark of Glory - Jesus reframes glory. It’s not conquest. It’s not escape. It’s love. And not just any love, but love that kneels, washes feet, endures betrayal, and lays down life. Glory is revealed in humility.
This Is the New Commandment - It’s not that love is new, but the standard is. “As I have loved you.” This is not about niceness. It’s about costly, consistent, Jesus-shaped love. Not reactive. Not self-protective. Transformational.
Love Is How the World Will Know - Jesus doesn’t say the world will know us by our theology, our churches, or our social media presence. Love is the apologetic. Love is the proof. Love is the revolution.
Guiding Question
Where is Jesus inviting you to love more deeply, not abstractly, but in the pattern of his own love?
Reflections & Resources
Yes! Love is the answer before I ask the question! Great essay
The Gospel of Jesus is so startlingly beautiful. Thanks for sharing some of it with us here, Paul. God, continue to bless Paul's walk of faith in you. Be his shield and his very great reward, his security and his prosperity.