When we hear the phrase “Jesus’ last words,” Christians usually think of the words Jesus uttered while dying on the cross. They were not words of instruction from the master to his disciples, but rather they were what he said in response to his experience on the cross, and they reflect and express that experience.
Those words are worthy of our thoughtful and prayerful consideration. I would argue that Jesus’ words to his disciples at the Last Supper are equally important in that they focused his ministry for them and do so for all who would be Jesus’ disciples 20 centuries later. The Gospel of John gives us the fullest account of what Jesus said at the Last Supper. There are 21 chapters in John. Five of them (chapters 13-17) contain his last teachings. John is surely telling us that these teachings are at the heart of Christianity.
Jesus began the meal by washing his disciples feet. He then preached, taught and prayed. Each chapter is filled with helpful and challenging truths. I have always valued his assurance in Chapter 14 that he is going to prepare a place for us. The older I get, the more comforting that thought is. But for disciples of any age his last teachings challenge us with his instruction that he is giving us a new commandment: that we are to love one another as he has loved us. He has made this point in Chapter 13, but he elaborates on it in Chapter 15, right in the midst of the chapter in verses 12-17.
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At the heart of Jesus’ teaching is this basic commandment.
We need to be clear that he does not mean that we are to fall in love with everyone, nor that we are even called to like everyone. We definitely do not need to agree with everyone. But we do need to show respect for everyone. We need to care about the well-being of everyone. We need to show concern for everyone. We need to acknowledge that Jesus died for each and every one of us. That was his great act of love.
He calls us to follow him in being willing to serve God by showing unconditional love to everyone we share life with. That instruction was central to his last teaching. It needs to be first in our thoughts and deeds every day of our lives. May God bless our efforts to live by Jesus’ great commandment.
Tucson faith leaders, we would like to include your original sermon or scriptures of encouragement. Sermons must be written by the person submitting them, not borrowed from another source or writer. If you are a faith leader from any religion or denomination, please contact Sara Brown at [email protected].
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