This passage is part of Jesus' final discourse with his disciples, where he is preparing them for his impending death and departure from this world. He is reminding them of the importance of love and the commandment to love one another.
The first part of the passage, "Love each other as I have loved you," is a powerful commandment that encapsulates the essence of Jesus' teachings. Jesus is calling his followers to love one another in the same way that he has loved them - unconditionally, sacrificially, and without reservation. This kind of love goes beyond mere affection or sentimentality; it is a love that is willing to lay down one's life for the sake of others.
The second part of the passage, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends," is a direct reference to Jesus' own sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus was willing to lay down his life for the sake of his friends, his followers, and ultimately for all humanity. This is the ultimate expression of love - to give one's life for another.
The final part of the passage, "You are my friends if you do what I command," is a reminder that friendship with Jesus is not just a matter of sentimentality or emotional attachment. It is a relationship that is based on obedience and submission to Jesus' teachings and commands. Jesus' commandment to love one another is not just a suggestion or a nice sentiment; it is a commandment that his followers are called to obey.
Taken together, these three verses offer a powerful message about the importance of love and obedience in the Christian life. Jesus is calling his followers to a kind of love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and willing to lay down one's life for the sake of others. This kind of love is a reflection of Jesus' own love for his followers, which was demonstrated on the cross.
At the same time, Jesus' commandment to love one another is not just a suggestion or a nice sentiment. It is a commandment that his followers are called to obey. Obedience to Jesus' teachings and commands is the mark of true friendship with him, and it is the way in which his followers can demonstrate their love for him.
Overall, John 15:12-14 is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and obedience in the Christian life. It is a call to a kind of love that is willing to lay down one's life for the sake of others, and a reminder that obedience to Jesus' teachings and commands is the mark of true friendship with him.
John 15:12-14. “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.”