Jesus gives a new commandment to love
Jesus considers his death as
well as his resurrection as an opportunity to be glorified. Before going to the
cross, Jesus foresees the triumph of the resurrection. His death is a part of
the resurrection. In this death we see the depth of his love for His disciples.
They will be known by loving to this degree and in the same manner.
Five times in Vv. 31-32 a
form of the term “to glorify” is used.
He describes this glorification as already completed, since the fulfillment of
His mission is imminent and certain. Jesus verifies that he has glorified the
Father through the way he loves us. He set the precedent; the way we bring
glory to him and the Father is to love one another as he has loved us.
Note the significant
statement in this verse that sets up all that is to follow; “When he was gone.” Judas left. He went to betray the Son of Man
for thirty silver coins. It was with the knowledge and understanding that the
dark drama of death was moving closer to him that Jesus spoke of the positive
glory that would come to the Son of Man and the glory that would come to the
Father through the Son. How could such negatives produce such positives? It
could only happen when the Son of Man was in control of these events.
Prayer for newness of life as a baptized child of God: Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You called us to be Your own possession. Grant that our lives may evidence the working of Your Holy Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. [2]
[1] Artwork by Ed Riojas © Higher Things
[2]
Collect for newness of life, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing
House, St, Louis – 13 May, 2022
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