John 13:35
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about being nice to fellow believers; it's a radical, public declaration that makes Christ's followers undeniably distinct from the world. The point isn't just having love, but that this specific, selfless love will be so observable and compelling that it becomes the primary way the world perceives and knows who truly belongs to Jesus.
Just before this, Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, an act of humble service, and then identified Judas as the one who would betray him. He then instructed them to love one another as he has loved them, giving them a "new commandment" as he prepares to leave them. This statement is Jesus' answer to how his followers will be identifiable to the world after his departure.
Ever wonder what truly sets Jesus' followers apart? It's not special clothes or secret handshakes.
Jesus declares that mutual love among His followers will be the primary way the world recognizes them. This isn't just a suggestion; it's presented as a definitive sign, a 'mark' that distinguishes them. Think of it like a brand – unmistakable and clear. While other religions or groups might have identifying features, Jesus points to an internal reality expressed outwardly: love for one another.
This love isn't merely a feeling; it's an active choice. It’s a love that mirrors Christ's own self-sacrificing love for humanity, a love that should be so evident that it compels outsiders to notice and inquire.
Jesus called it a 'new' commandment, but love was already in the Law. What's going on here?
When Jesus gives the commandment to love one another as He has loved them, He calls it 'new.' This isn't because love itself was an unknown concept; the Old Testament Law commanded loving one's neighbor. Instead, Jesus makes it new in several profound ways:
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A learner, apprentice, or follower. In the New Testament, it signifies one who has identified with Jesus Christ, committed to His teachings, and aims to imitate His life and character.
This verse wasn't just a nice sentiment from Jesus; it was intended as a practical, observable marker for His followers, setting them apart in a world that often valued self-interest. The early church's radical love became so evident that even non-believers noticed it as a defining characteristic.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Last Supper
Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper and giving his farewell discourse, including the command to love one another.
c. AD 30-33
The Early Church
Following Jesus' ascension, the early Christian community in Jerusalem is characterized by radical love, sharing possessions, and devotion to teaching and fellowship.
c. AD 112
Pliny the Younger's Letter
Roman governor Pliny the Younger writes to Emperor Trajan about the Christians in Bithynia, noting their communal worship and their willingness to die for one another.
c. AD 197
Tertullian's Apology
Christian apologist Tertullian describes the pagan world's observation of Christians, highlighting their mutual love and readiness to sacrifice for each other as a defining characteristic.
This passage directly echoes John 13:35, stating that righteousness and unrighteousness are revealed by whether or not one loves their brother, reinforcing the idea that love is a defining characteristic of God's children.
Romans 13:8-10Paul emphasizes that love fulfills the law, explaining that commands like 'do not murder' and 'do not covet' are summed up in the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself.' This shows that Jesus' new commandment to love is deeply rooted in the Old Testament law, but elevated and re-centered on His example.
Galatians 5:22-23The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This passage shows that the love commanded by Jesus is not merely an outward action but a deep, inner transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7This famous passage vividly describes the characteristics of love, detailing what love is and is not. It provides a rich, in-depth picture of the kind of selfless, enduring love Jesus expects from His followers.
vincentJohn 13:35: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Shall - know (γνώσονται)Perceive, or come to know.My disciples (ἐμοὶ μαθηταί)See on Matthew 12:49. Literally, disciples unto me. Compare John 15:8.
calvinJohn 13:30-35: "He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night."
- When, therefore, he had received the sop, he went immediately out; and it was night. 31. When, therefore, he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and will immediately glorify him. 33. Little children, but a little while am I yet with you. You shall seek me, and as I said to the Jews,…
This verse isn't just about being nice to fellow believers; it's a radical, public declaration that makes Christ's followers undeniably distinct from the world. The point isn't just having love, but that this specific, selfless love will be so observable and compelling that it becomes the primary way the world perceives and knows who truly belongs to Jesus.
Just before this, Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, an act of humble service, and then identified Judas as the one who would betray him. He then instructed them to love one another as he has loved them, giving them a "new commandment" as he prepares to leave them. This statement is Jesus' answer to how his followers will be identifiable to the world after his departure.
Just before this, Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, an act of humble service, and then identified Judas as the one who would betray him. He then instructed them to love one another as he has loved them, giving them a "new commandment" as he prepares to leave them. This statement is Jesus' answer to how his followers will be identifiable to the world after his departure.
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"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”" — This verse isn't just about being nice to fellow believers; it's a radical, public declaration that makes Christ's followers undeniably distinct from the world. The point isn't just having love, bu…
