New Mandate

Read

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-24 “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”

Think

Jesus' betrayal wasn't just some casual letdown by a neighbor. It was a deep wound inflicted by one of his closest companions, Judas, who sold him out like a slave after sharing an intimate embrace. This heartbreaking betrayal unfolded on Maundy Thursday (Maundy means ‘mandate’ in Latin), a pivotal moment when Jesus shared a new commandment during the Last Supper, underscoring the significance of love as the defining trait of his followers.

This mandate to love one another offers hope and healing to our lives and to a world in pain. It reminds us that through love and grace, we have the power to transform closed doors into open conversations. Instead of cutting ties in times of conflict, we're called to extend invitations to reconcile, echoing Jesus' grace in breaking bread with Judas.

In the face of life's disappointments, be it personal heartbreak, shattered trust, or crushing discouragement, we draw strength from Jesus' response. Despite being forsaken by his closest allies, he chose gratitude and grace. His act of thanksgiving in the midst of betrayal serves as a profound example, showing us that we too can cultivate gratitude in any circumstance, following his path of resilience and grace.

So, if Jesus could find reasons to give thanks amidst heartbreak and knowing he was going to the cross, how can we not do the same? Even when life's challenges threaten to overwhelm us, we look to Jesus as our model and find the courage to express gratitude, knowing that in doing so, we align ourselves with his character and purpose. We give thanks not only because he was betrayed, but because he willingly endured the cross for our sins. remembering that we too have been recipients of his forgiveness.

Apply

The commandment Jesus gives during the Last Supper, to love one another as he has loved us, underscores the foundational importance of love in the Christian life. Prioritize the needs of others above your own desires. Today, do something for someone else that is inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Pray

Lord, teach me to love like you. Give me patience to walk beside others in their journey, showing kindness and mercy. Help me to be a beacon of light and hope for those lost without you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.