THE COMMUNITY OF JESUS

"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34b)

Read: John 13:31-35

Jesus doesn’t have much time left. He knows he will be hanging on a Roman cross the next day. He gives those closest to him some important instructions. It couldn’t have been easy. He had been teaching them for three years. What should he say now? It has to be important whatever it is.

He tells them, “Love one another.” Jesus takes the advice of Ecclesiastes (travel together) and unleashes it upon his followers. Jesus’ strategy for growing, serving, comforting and encouraging his followers—is his followers. His strategy for changing the world was a community of people travelling together.

Paul writes, “From him, the whole body (the church), joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” The church grows and is built by love when we each do our part. We grow when others play their part, and they grow when we play ours. Only by travelling together does the community of Jesus fulfil its role in the world.

Distractions, resentment and selfishness can also keep us from getting on board with Jesus’ strategy. When we let other things, even good things, prevent us from meaningful relationships with other Christians—we stunt our chances for growth. We won’t grow without relationships.

ON THE COUCH WITH GOD

Reflect on what it means for you to be “all in” on Jesus’ strategy. What would it look like in your life? What’s keeping you from going all-in? Confess those things to God and ask him to show you an opportunity to get on board.