“A new command I give you …”
Perhaps John sat up from reclining against his Master’s chest to look Him in the eye. Maybe Matthew made a mental note that he needed to remember this and write about it later. Then he forgot.
“… Love one another …”
Maybe the thought raced through all the minds of the eleven: Wait, that’s not new! That’s in Leviticus! You told us it was the second-greatest commandment after loving God with all our being!
Then the Master finishes His sentence: “… as I have loved you.”
Did they all think: Master, no! You say it’s time to be glorified; that you’re going away and we can’t follow; and … and you’re leaving us with this impossible new command? ‘As I have loved you’?
Though they have seen Him live this command every day, they will sometimes fail to obey it, but for the most part they will succeed.
So will we.
And someday we’ll join them in praise of the One who led a life of love; who went first where we have followed; who makes all things new.
Blog In My Own Eye 
Keith,When I read this post my mind went immediately to the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10…Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, dear friends, to do so more and more, God bless you, brother!
It’s consistent with so many other calls in discipleship, in that it is a topsy turvy command. It should be the easiest to follow….instead it probably is the hardest. So hard that we seldom hear it advocated from our ministers and leaders. It’s much easier to find fault in others. Super post, bro!DU
Keith, I’m confused. What are you suggesting I send Thomas when he grows up? A copy of my note from school, or a copy of my blog entry or what? Also, hee hee, you’re way off on my last name. TKP says to try again.
A copy of your note from school, Teresa. Gee, only a Pecinovsky would get confused over something like that.