Christ’s New Commandment

GOLDEN TEXT: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” —John 13:34

MARK 12:28-34

IN JESUS’ answer to the scribe’s question, “Which is the first commandment of all?” he quoted Moses, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deut. 6:4,5) The scribe’s question was evidently asked in sincerity. He was not endeavoring to see if Jesus knew the first of the Ten Commandments in the Decalogue, but in his question used the word “first” more from the standpoint of primary, or most important.

Actually this “first” commandment summarizes the intent of all the commandments in the Decalogue which have to do with our relationship to God, for if we love him supremely all our obligations toward him will be zealously met, and we will rejoice in the privilege of obeying and serving him with our whole heart. If we love God with our “heart,” “soul,” and “might,” we will certainly not take his name in vain, nor in any other way do that which might reflect against his holiness and glory.

In reality, supreme love for God will lead to joyful obedience to all his instructions pertaining to our relationship with others, but Jesus framed this idea in words, and called it the “second” commandment—“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” These few words summarize our obligations toward others equally as well as the “first” commandment given by Moses sets forth our duty toward God. In the two, therefore, we have the full intent of the Decalogue clearly and concisely stated.

The scribe was very favorably impressed with the masterful answer Jesus gave to his question, replying, “Well, Master, thou hast said the truth.” Jesus perceived the man’s humility and sincerity and said to him, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” It seems quite possible that this sincere scribe may later have become a disciple of Jesus. In any case, his question resulted in the setting forth of one of the most precious gems of truth to be found in the New Testament.

JOHN 13:34, 35

WHILE the “first” and the “second” commandments Jesus outlined to the inquiring scribe are of fundamental importance, setting forth as they do the basic principles of righteousness, they do not convey the full meaning of true Christian discipleship. So Jesus gave a “new commandment” for the guidance of his followers—“That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” Jesus’ love for us and for the world led him to sacrifice life itself that we might live, and that the world might later have an opportunity to live. This was a love for his “neighbor” greater than his love for himself.

Throughout the age since Jesus gave this commandment there have been millions who have professed to be his followers, but only a few have been imbued with and controlled by this love which leads to the sacrifice of self and all its interests simply in order that others might be blessed.

Jesus said that by this shall “all men” know “that ye are my disciples.” He didn’t mean by this that the whole world would understand and appreciate the significance of his “new commandment” and discern its operation in the lives of his people. The world in Jesus’ day did not appreciate the manifestation of love in his life, nor has it done so in the case of his followers since. Evidently what the Master meant was that to those interested in determining who, among the many professed disciples were his true followers, this would be one of the qualifications to look for—Are they self-sacrificing in their love for others, laying down their lives for them as Jesus did?

JOHN 15:10-14

JESUS said that he had kept his Father’s commandments, therefore was abiding in his love; that is, God continued to love and favor and bless him. Obedience to his Father’s commandments kept him in the path of love, continuing to spend his life for the blessing of others—for all mankind through the complete sacrifice of his life. This is what the Father’s love meant to Jesus.

If we keep Jesus’ “new commandment” we will abide in his love, he promised; that is, we will continue in the same pathway of love, laying down our lives for others, and thus we will continue to enjoy the Father’s favor and blessing. Jesus explained that obedience to this commandment would result in his “joy” remaining in us. To the worldly it would seem paradoxical, but the true followers of the Master have learned by experience that there is no greater joy than that which results from self-sacrificing service to others, especially when it is realized that this is the will of God for us.

Jesus suffered at the hands of his enemies, but inwardly he was filled with peace and happiness because he was helping others to rejoice. Besides this, there was a wonderful joy set before him, the kingdom joy of uplifting and blessing the whole world of mankind during the thousand years of his future reign. These same joys may be ours, and in proportion to our zeal in following in the Master’s footsteps.

QUESTIONS

Explain the manner in which the “first” and “second” commandments expressed by Jesus to the inquiring scribe summarizes all Ten Commandments of the Decalogue.

In what sense did Jesus’ “new commandment” differ from the requirement to love our neighbor as ourselves?

How does obedience to Jesus’ “new commandment” keep us in his love, and in the Father’s love?

What was the basis of Jesus’ joy? Can we have the same joy?

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