Still gathered around the supper table, sharing the Passover meal, Jesus has more to say to his endeared and deeply love disciples. Like a parent consistently gathering the children around the table to share nourishment and life together, Jesus emphasizes what he most wants them to know. Love each other. Love the ones you are with. Love the ones before you. Discover what love means in the real: the good, the bad, the messy, the ugly, the joys, the sorrows, the pain.
John 13:31-38 (NLT)
As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. 33 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
36 Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”
And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”
38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.
For Reflection and Prayer:
What did you hear as you listened to the text? Did a word or phrase stand out in particular? Meditate on this word, phrase or picture. Is there more God wants to say to you?
This passage might guide you into an examen form of prayer. Where did I receive/give the most love today? Where did I receive/give the least love today? Prayerfully reflect and answer these questions without judgement and bring them into conversation with God.
Savor any consoling words or pictures God gives you. Simply rest in God’s presence.