John 13:33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer….
This reminds me of giving my boys instructions before I went somewhere, especially those first few times they were allowed to stay home alone for a few hours: Now don’t forget to….
John 13:34a “A new command I give you: Love one another….
Jesus is, of course, a worried parent, but in a totally different way. His mind isn’t consumed with “what if” scenarios. He *knows* what’s ahead for His beloved disciples and wants to be sure they remember what’s important: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34b “…As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Lord, As a parent with kids on the cusp of adulthood, I take great comfort in Your reminder to the disciples. There’s always the fear: Have I loved them enough? Have I taught them enough? But if they can hold tight to what You told the disciples: love each other as You love us—deeply, fiercely, beyond faults and missteps and doubts, they will be ok. We all will. Help us to love as You love, Lord. Amen.
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Have a blessed day.