I am fascinated with how easily distracted I am, especially when it comes to listening to our Lord Jesus. I will focus so intently on one particular verse or idea that the Lord seems to have impressed upon my heart, and I miss the very core of His teaching. Perhaps you’ve done this, too?
It seems that Peter did. It our main text noted below, our Great Shepherd is presenting some of the most intimate teaching of His ministry to His dearly Loved ones. He prefaces His core thought with a sad note of leaving them, but in His absence we are to Love one another as He has Loved us. Do you notice v. 36? In appears that Peter is more focused on Jesus going some where, and he, too, misses the core of Jesus’ teaching. (This then launches a rather lengthy tangent that the Lord graciously follows—because He Loves them….)
He gently returns to this core later in this evenings discourse, but I wonder how long it takes for me to “return” to His core teaching?
I am so intent on what I think is important that I miss His gentle voice teaching me the Core, “Love each other as I have Loved you.” Perhaps my distractions are somewhat by design. Is it that I don’t want to engage this teaching because it is too hard, perhaps even impossible? I may have to sacrifice too much? Or, indeed all, for this Love Commandment to be fulfilled? And the standard? “As I have loved you!” Up to this point He has only washed their feet, leaving them an example, and they have no idea to the extent this standard is going to increase: No longer loving my neighbor as myself. No longer. Now it is as He has Loved me. …
…Truly a greater standard, and when it comes to fulfilling it, in all honesty, I get too distracted by convenience or excuses. Do you find yourself in this same boat of distractions? What can we do to encourage one another to Love one another as He has Loved us?
Main Text— Jn 13:33–36 (ISV)— 33 “Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, but what I told the Jewish leaders I now tell you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 I am giving you a new commandment to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 36 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”
Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.—Romans 14:17–19 (NIV84)
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.—1 Peter 1:223 (NIV84)
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.—1 Peter 4:8–9 (NIV84)
Lord Jesus Christ, remove the distractions from my life that I may truly Love with Your Love seeking my brothers and sisters good over my own. In Your Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike