A NEW PRECEPT

JOHN 13:31–35

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another”

(John 13:34).

The New King James version translates verse 34 as “a new commandment.” While this is not objectionable, a better translation is “precept.” In the Fourth Gospel, the term is used in three ways: 1) as a legal order issued by men (11:57), 2) as a charge or instruction given to Jesus by the Father (10:18), 3) as a precept given by Jesus to His disciples (14:15, and here in 13:34).

Although these three meanings are closely related, it is best to distinguish them. A legal order or commandment may or may not have a warm, personal interest in those who are required to obey it. It is rather outward and official. A charge given by the Father to the Son is a direction that is in complete harmony with the eternal plan on which they have agreed. A “precept,” on the other hand, is a rule made by Jesus and illustrated by His own example for the regulation of the conduct and inner attitude of the disciples toward Christ and others. As you can see, precept best describes the “new commandment” of verse 34.

Jesus called this precept “new.” It is certainly not new in the sense that it was non-existent in the Old Testament. The command to love your neighbor as yourself is found in Leviticus 19:18. Love for God and for others is the summary of the law (Mark 12:29). So, the “new precept” in no way abrogates the Ten Commandments; it undergirds them as love always has.

The newness, therefore, of this precept is evident from the fact that Jesus requires His disciples to love one another “as He has loved them.” His example of constant, self-sacrificing love must be the pattern for their attitude and relation toward one another. This became especially manifest when they witnessed His death.

Just as Jesus was motivated by love, so must we be motivated by love toward others. Genuine, deep-rooted, abiding, self-sacrificing love for one another is the distinguishing trait of the Christian. It is through love toward one another that we will impact the world for Christ. They who treat one another with hatred will be struck by those who treat one another with love. When the world sees such a love that compels men to die for one another, it will inevitably inquire into the source of that love.

CORAM DEO

Psalm 82–84

Romans 8:19–39

WEEKEND

Psalm 85–89

Romans 9–10

Take the time to read the passages below. What is the mark of a true Christian? Especially take into consideration the teaching in 1 John. Can a person be a true Christian who does not love other Christians with the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13? Examine your own heart today as you meditate on these passages.

For further study: Mark 12:29–31 • 1 Cor. 13 • 1 John 3:10–23; 4:7–21

WEEKEND