On the night He was betrayed
One of the ways to evaluate a statement or request is to consider the time and the circumstances in which it was given. For example, the historic 1940 “never surrender” speech was given by Winston Churchill at a time when there was the expectation of a Nazi invasion and occupation. It was in the early stages of WWII and European countries were already falling like dominoes. “We will fight on the beaches; we will fight in the streets…” A colleague of Churchill commented: “My dear Winston. That was worth 1,000 guns and the speeches of 1,000 years.” The times were desperate, and the words were perfect.
At the end of Jesus’ life, we find such an historic time: “On the night he was betrayed…” There was betrayal, there were prayers, there was teaching, there was confusion… there was something ominous in the air. From this historic time in the life of Jesus, we can take away three requests or concerns in the mind of Jesus: 1) Establishment of the Lord’s Supper; 2) Unity of the brethren (John 17); and 3) The New Commandment- “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34-35). All three were heavy on the heart of Jesus as he was about to be crucified.
“On the night he was betrayed…” reminds many of us of 1Corinthians 11:23-29, a section of scripture on the Lord’s Supper. Some of us may even have a part of it memorized. It was not always the case, but as generally practiced, the Lord’s Supper is mostly a first commandment response, and the unity and “love one another” requests are more second commandment issues.
Many of us are very dedicated to the Lord’s Supper, and fewer of us are dedicated to unity and love of the brethren. Why is that the case? They are messy; they are hard. “Me and Jesus” events tend to be easier; I feel good and holy at the Lord’s Supper.
Unity and love of the brethren require more of me…much, much more. Spiritual things seem much easier than working through the difficulties of interpersonal relationships.
The world would be a much different place if Christians loved one another… even across denominational lines.
Remember: all three were Jesus’ last requests of us.
How to love the brethren – How to love one another
In the close of this Bible study, we need to consider some responses to this new dedication to obey the Lord’ requests. We might ask, “Why did he give this one last commandment…what was his purpose?”
“For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
John 13:15
And why did he pray for unity?
“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
John 17:23
A loving, united body strengthens and supports its own members and becomes a beacon to the world.
“For God so loved the world…”
John 3:16
So, no matter what kind of Christian structure we find ourselves in, it would be a good strategy to honor the purposes of Jesus by loving one another in a way that contributes to the church’s witness.
Created for Relationship
Not only were we created for relationship, but we were also designed for relationship. Increasing trends toward isolation result in increasing sadness, mental health issues and behavioral problems.
We were created in the image of God, and the Trinity is the eternal, best example of relationship… It has love and order and reaches out to others. As shown earlier in this study, love of the brethren goes beyond love of our family. The body of Christ should be a family of families… a community as at Pentecost.
Two forms of Service
There are many forms of service in the body of Christ. We can serve in a way that engages and could lead to relationship; or we can serve in a way that is needed but is not so personal (or is less personal). One example from my denomination: We have “Eucharistic ministers” that distribute communion at Sunday services. We also have those who take communion to the elderly, sick, or homebound. The second type of ministry is more engaging and usually leads to praying together and a little more sharing of life.
I spent 28 years leading a contemporary choir, and I cannot think of one lasting relationship that resulted from that service. It was a service for the body. There were many pre-existing relationships in the choir that deepened, but the service was designed to serve, not to build new relationships.
If we want to love the brethren by service, I suggest that we give ourselves to service that is engaging andrelational… loving one another in a way that builds up the bonds (“joints”) of the body of Christ. All service is good; and yet some approaches to service are a little more strategic.
“Showing Up”
No matter what kind of church or Christian group we are members of, “showing up” is one of the first ways we love one another. Showing up, being on time and staying to the end are all expressions of love and respect. It’s discouraging to the members of a group when a significant block of people is not keeping their commitment to be there as we gather.
I had an older brother who, when coming through the door to my house, would say to his wife, “Get the kids ready!” I took it as a real sign that he was not thrilled to be visiting. If we attend our services and gatherings with an eye on our watch, and “spring-loaded” to bolt out the door, I don’t think we’re appreciating what the Lord has given us in our brothers and sisters.
Parish/Congregation Examples of Loving One Another
- Showing up, arriving on time, and staying until the end.
- Remember: All service to the body is loving one another.
- Befriending: I have a friend who introduced herself to a woman in the parish. They became friends, and eventually she was able to support her through a difficult time of life.
- Any kind of ministry to the sick, elderly, or homebound.
- Participating in more relational groups with the intention of making friends.
- Organizing a small group: Bible study, prayer, ministry.
Community or Covenant Community Examples
- Showing up, arriving on time, and staying until the end.
- Using the time together to engage, introduce yourself to new members.
- Celebrating the Lords Day: Most communities have some form of opening of the Lord’s Day: an opening meal with appropriate prayers; fellowship, games, etc. This is a “best practice” of loving one another.
- Dedicated attendance at the more relational events: retreats, conferences, Summer Camp, potlucks, men’s or women’s breakfasts, etc.
- Sharing vacations together.
- Moving into the same neighborhoods together.
- Intentionally developing small groups into friendships beyond the “meeting”.
- Forming “scout-like” groups where fathers and sons or mothers and daughters can bond more deeply with their children or the other adults.
- Summer Camp (if available): In addition to the spiritual support it provides, it is also a great opportunity for building cross-generational and cross-community relationships among the young, as well as strengthening the adult relationships among the staff members.
Revival
These are times of worldwide revival; especially among the young. Churches are growing, the gospel is preached, and folks are more courageous about sharing the faith.
More people are speaking openly about their personal relationship with Christ – a testimony to loving God (a first commandment response). Most are less aware that there is also a second commandment revival as there are worldwide networks of communities where Christians are learning to “love one another” as I have loved you.” These responses to the second commandment have sprung out of, and are the natural response to, the first commandment decision to “love God with your whole heart, mind and soul.”
Most of these folks have had some kind of conversion to “love of the brethren,” as a response to the Lordship of Jesus. If that conversion does not happen, they are more likely to move on.
Where is the Lord Leading Me?
I have often heard Christians ask, “Where is the Lord leading me?” As we close this study, we should recognize that the Lord has given us a partial, yet significant answer:
- Unity* that is so strong as to be evangelistic. John 17:23
- The Lord’s Supper 1Corinthians 11:24
- Love one another! John 13:34
Possible Discussion Questions
- Do I recognize that just showing up and being there can be a great encouragement to others?
- Where can I serve in my local church or community that is both engaging and relational? Service oriented and relationship building?
- Am I reluctant to engage people in my church/parish? Why? Am I willing/able to invest time in building relationships?
- Do I avoid the “messiness” of loving the brethren?
- What does it mean to “love one another as I have loved you?”
- When I review the lists of examples of loving one another, what stands out to me? What is doable for me? In my parish/church? In my community? In my covenant community? What seems to be beyond me? Why?
- Do I invite folks outside of my comfortable group of friends to join in celebrating the Lord’s Day? What prohibits me?
- Considering both of the great commandments, what should revival look like?
*Even across denominational divides
Love of the Brethren Bible Study Series by Bob Tedesco:
- Love of the Brethren, Part 1
- Love of the Brethren, Part 2
- Love of the Brethren, Part 3
- Love of the Brethren, Part 4
- Love of the Brethren, Part 5
- Love of the Brethren, Part 6
Top image credit: Open Bible reflected on a glass table top, photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License. Quote from John 17:23 added.
Bob Tedesco is a profound teacher and prolific writer on building Christian family life and community in the light of Christian truth, Biblical wisdom, and the call to live and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Check out his previous articles and books in the Living Bulwark archives.