Jesus’ teachings were unlike those of the other rabbis. The others were often
burdensome and restrictive – rule-heavy and light on grace. Jesus was full of
grace and abounding in love. He gave “new” commands like “love one
another” (John 13:34). There was something freeing and, at the same time,
demanding, about this teacher’s classes. He modeled love and taught with
his life – not just his words. In his last course on love (John 13 – 17), Jesus
begins with a loving demonstration of serving others – washing his disciples’
feet. He then instructs them to love as He loves. By believing in God’s Son
and receiving the Holy Spirit, they were connecting to his loving Father.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
…My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love
has no one than this – that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my
friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:9, 12-14). “The Father himself
loves you because you have loved me and believe that I am from God.” (John
16:27).

Concluding with a prayer, Christ lets his disciples hear his heart: “Righteous
Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that
you have sent me. I have made you known to them … in order that the love
you have for me may be in them, and that I myself may be in them.” (John
17:25-26).

The final and ultimate demonstration of love then began as soldiers arrested
Jesus and led him away. Jesus laid down his life for his friends, because that
is what Love does. Rising from the grave, Love defeated hate and death. The
manifest love of God in Christ is still healing our broken world. Even though
the world continues to reject his message and choose hate, Jesus our
teacher & friend, says, “Please, follow my lead and love each other.”