What does John 13:34 mean?

Explanation

This verse, John 13:34, captures the essence of Jesus' teaching on love and mutual care among his followers.

It is a directive, a "new commandment," that goes beyond the ethical teachings of the time, which were largely based on the reciprocity principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18).

The newness here is found in the degree of love that Jesus commands: "as I have loved you." Jesus' love for his disciples included self-sacrifice, unconditional acceptance, and boundless compassion.

The verse, thus, calls for a selfless and sacrificial love that seeks the good of others, mirroring the love that Jesus himself manifested.

Historical Context

John 13:34 occurs during the Last Supper, a profoundly significant event where Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion.

It is part of a farewell discourse where Jesus prepares his disciples for his impending death and provides instructions for how they should live after he is gone.

At this point in the Gospel according to John, Jesus has already washed the feet of his disciples, setting an example of humble service.

The time period is in first-century Palestine, under Roman occupation, where Jewish law and traditions were central to social and religious life.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives have varying focuses when interpreting this verse.

Traditional Christian theology emphasizes John 13:34 as foundational to the ethic of Christian love and as a distinguishing mark of Christian identity.

Liberation theology might highlight the verse's implications for advocating for the oppressed and marginalized, viewing love as action-oriented and justice-seeking.

In evangelical Christianity, the verse might be seen as a call for personal transformation and discipleship, where imitating Christ's love becomes a daily practice.

In Catholicism, it is often tied to the concept of charity as one of the theological virtues.

Practical Applications

In daily life, John 13:34 invites believers to practice love in deep, tangible ways.

This could mean engaging in acts of kindness and generosity, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and considering the needs of others above one's own preferences or comforts.

Such love is meant to be exercised within Christian communities, as well as extended to strangers and even enemies, modeling the inclusive and sacrificial love of Jesus.

Cross-References

• "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:36-39)

• "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35)
• "Let love be without dissimulation.

Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Romans 12:9-10)

• "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" (1 John 3:17)

Language Study

The key word in the Greek text is agape (ἀγάπη), which refers to selfless, sacrificial love that is volitional, spiritual, and unconditional, a love that is more about choice than emotion.

Another significant term is entellomai (ἐντέλλομαι), meaning "I command." This indicates not a suggestion, but a binding charge given with authority.

The word kainos (καινός) translated as "new" in the verse, indicates something that is fresh or unprecedented, suggesting a distinctive quality to the commandment that sets it apart from previous teachings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast to some ancient myths where gods often act capriciously or vindictively, the God of Christian scripture demonstrates a love that is consistent and self-giving.

Other religious traditions, such as Buddhism with its emphasis on compassion (karuna), have analogous values regarding love and kindness, though the source and inspiration for such love might differ.

The distinctiveness of Jesus' command is in its rootedness in his own example of love and sacrifice, which is seen as a historical and divine act.

Scientific Perspectives

While today's scientific perspectives generally do not directly engage with the theological implications of scripture, they do offer insights into the human capacity for love and altruism.

Psychological and sociobiological studies explore the evolutionary benefits of cooperative and altruistic behaviors.

Neuroscience has begun to study the effects of love and compassion on the brain, suggesting that engagement in loving actions can have positive impacts on one's mental and physical health.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians have provided commentary on John 13:34.

William Barclay states that this new commandment turns all of life's relationships into love relationships, invested with the quality of Christ's love.

D.A.

Carson notes the social and evangelistic implications, suggesting that the love among Christians will be a testimony to the world.

Other commentaries focus on how this love should manifest in social justice, communal living, and interpersonal relationships, indicating that the love commanded by Jesus is not passive but transformative and active within the world.