John 5:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Here Jesus is offering his disciples what he refers to as “my commandment” – his instruction or direction for them. And in case they were wondering what exactly Jesus meant by this command, he offers himself as an example. They should love one another ( Greek “agape”) as he loved them. Given that his disciples had been with him for three years they would have had ample opportunity to imitate Jesus. So I expect when John (the gospel writer) hears Jesus’ words, that’s where his mind goes – to all the ways he has seen Jesus “love” the disciples.

It’s also apparent that Jesus intends his example to live through the disciples once he’s gone. They have the DNA of love. That DNA gets past along to all subsequent generations. This morning I’m thinking of the people who showed me the love of Christ. There are many over the course of a lifetime. It makes me smile to think of them. I’m also thinking of the people to whom I have opportunity to show love, to carry on a tradition that is now thousands of years old.

Lord Jesus you have indeed loved us all, especially through your death and resurrection. I thank you this morning for the many people who have loved me over the years, who have shown me sacrificial love. Open my eyes to see the opportunities I have to do the same, participating in a chain of love over 2,000 years old. I pray this in your holy name. Amen.