Devotion: A New Commandment
Please take the time to read John 13:34
Today is Maundy Thursday, a day we remember during Holy Week when Jesus shared the last supper with his disciples in the upper room. Though the word “maundy” is not found in Scripture, it has been used for centuries. This odd little word is derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning commandment (it’s where we get the English word “mandate”). Mandatum is the Latin translation of the Aramaic word-paqada-that Jesus spoke to his disciples after he washed their feet and shared the Passover meal with them. This was his mandate – “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34
A new commandment? Why? Many of us may have learned the Ten Commandments in Sunday School and stopped listening when we heard, “honor thy father and mother.” All we thought about was a list of rules we could never seem to obey. Why does Jesus use this word? The clue is found in the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5:17 when Jesus states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Jesus himself and his example of love is the fulfillment of the Commandments. This is more than obedience. This is a message of hope.
Our Savior knows we humans fail to keep a list of rules, so he set a new system into motion by fulfilling and simplifying the whole thing. LOVE. That is what the gospel is all about. But how do we love, when we observe so much hatred around us? Jesus gives us more good news; “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth…You know Him, because he abides with you, and will be in you.” John 14:15
Did you hear the good news? We now have the Holy Spirit who helps us to LOVE as Jesus loves us. That’s good news indeed!
This Maundy Thursday, may we be encouraged that we have the very Spirit of Love living inside of us, inspiring us to love as Jesus showed us.
Lord, we know we cannot be perfect, but we can love because you have given us the Holy Spirit who is always at work around us and in us. We believe you are helping us fulfill the new commandment as we learn to love sacrificially. Amen.
Written by Callista Grover
Callista Fisher Grover grew up at Sheridan, gaining leadership skills within the community. After years of ministry, missionary training, and home educating her three children, she returned to Lincoln and her faith home. Now, she serves on staff as the Pastoral Care & Adult Faith Formation Associate. You’ll find her conversing, reading and thinking about new ways to grow in faith together.
