Thought for October 21st. “AS I HAVE LOVED YOU”

There are so many points in chapters 15 & 16 of John’s Gospel as we read it this morning that a whole book could be written (and have been written) seeking to fully draw out the lessons Jesus is teaching.  One of these is, “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” [15 v.12] 
Talking about love is common in today’s world; for example, one can sing, and there are a lot of these and similar songs,  “I first loved you when …”    In contrast the love that the Bible speaks about is the special nature of a relationship that can exist between human beings.  Jesus says he has demonstrated that by the love he has shown to his disciples. 
So how did he demonstrate this?  What did he do?  He showed understanding and encouragement when their faith was frail; he washed their feet as an example of humility and of serving one another.  At one stage his disciples were excited at the thought of becoming important and asked him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom …”  He called a child and “put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom … “ [Matt. 18 v.1-3]
At the end of today’s reading notice how Jesus responds to their declaration that “we believe that you came from God” by saying, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home … I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.” [16 v.30-33]
Peace?  The nature of “in me you may have peace” is far beyond normal human experience.  True love brings peace.  Now notice as you read the letters some of the disciples wrote how they use this word.  “May grace and peace be multiplied to you” [1 Peter 1 v.2]. Later he writes, “long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” [2 v.2,3]  Tasted?  More food for our thoughts.  Reading and meditating on John’s Gospel is a rich source of spiritual nutrients and helps true believers to love each other “as I have loved you.” 

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