Jesus is getting ready to launch his followers into the world. He’s preparing them for his arrest, trial, and death, as well as his resurrection and ascension. He promises to send the holy spirit (we’ll read a whole lot more about that in a couple weeks) and reminds the followers that he has been setting the stage all this time.
Jesus tells his followers “If you love me, keep my commandments.” He commanded them to love one another. Through his journeys around the region, in his teaching and healing and other signs, Jesus has been showing his followers and the crowds that love is key to following him; love for each other, love for the people around them, and even love for the people they don’t like. Love is what Jesus has commanded his followers to do – love God and love others.
We respond to the boundless love of Jesus through by showing love to the people in our lives. As we live out love for the world around us, we live out our identity as Jesus’ followers. Our acts of love are a sign of who we are and who we are following. They are certainly not a way we earn God’s love, for God’s love comes unconditionally. We love others because we are loved by God.
Peace,