John 13:31-32 When [Judas] was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
These verses occur shortly before the crucifixion. Judas has just left to betray Jesus. Jesus knows His time on earth is short. He wants to be sure that His disciples are ready, that they are prepared for life without Him, for the work He has for them to do.
John 13:33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
Jesus knows these are some of His last earthly words to His disciples. And I find it fascinating and telling that twice, in verse 34 and 35, He reminds them that they are to love one another. And not only that, they are to love as He has loved them–past faults and failures that haven’t even happened yet, through silly fights and serious issues, through mistakes and missteps. We are to love others as He loves us. That all-encompassing love is the way others will know that we are His.
John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Lord, I want the world to know that I am Yours. I also want to love others well as You command, as You love me. People can be so unlovable sometimes. I know because I can be, too. Help me to love as you love, especially when it’s difficult. Help me to shine your light. Always. Amen.
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Have a blessed day. I love you.