A Badge of Discipleship

(John 13:34-35)

Mike Johnson

In John 13:34-35, Jesus told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

In our society today, people are often distinguished by their dress.  For example, clothing worn might indicate a person works in the medical field, law enforcement, or serves in the military.  People are also distinguished from one another by such things as wealth, learning, and fame.  Jesus makes it clear that the distinguishing characteristic of his disciples would not be these types of things but would be their love for one another.  Loving each other might be called their “badge” of discipleship.  In the verses, Jesus taught in three ways that we must love one another.  He taught it by:

  1. Direct Command – He specifically commanded that they love one another. He says, “A new commandment I give to you.”  If we want to practice authentic Christianity, we must love one another.
  2. Example – He stated, “as I have loved you.” Jesus demonstrated love throughout His life.  He loved us to the degree that He gave His life for our sins (1 Jn. 3:16).  We must also practice this sincere and deep love for others.
  3. Necessary Inference – He also says, “By this all will know that you are My disciples.” When non-Christians would see this great love among the early disciples,  they would conclude that they must be followers of Christ.

Many passages in the New Testament speak of the need to love one another.  In 1 Peter 1:22, Peter told some they were to “. . . love one another fervently with a pure heart.”  Paul told the Thessalonians that he did not need to write to them about brotherly love since they had been “taught by God to love one another (1 Thess. 4:9).   In his introduction to 2 Thessalonians, he wrote, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” (1:3).  The essentiality of love rings clear in God’s Word.

However, we do not just talk about love; our actions should reflect it.  This concept is illustrated with our love for Christ, as Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandment” (Jn. 14:15).  Paul admonished the Corinthians to show their love by helping the needy Christians in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:24).  Consider some ways we show our compassion today.  We do so by:

  1. Being sympathetic toward others (1 Pet. 3:8),
  2. Forgiving someone who repents (2 Cor. 2:7-8),
  3. Helping those in need (Gal. 6:10, Lk. 10:30-37, Jas. 2:14-16),
  4. Restoring the erring (Gal. 6:1),
  5. Showing kindness toward our enemies (Mt. 5:44),
  6. Not taking vengeance (Rom. 12:19-21),
  7. Teaching others God’s Word (Mt. 28:18-20).

Our love for others demonstrates that we have spiritual life, not just for others but also for ourselves.  1 John 3:14 assures us, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.  He who does not love his brother abides in death.”

How are we known?  Do people know us for traits like pride, having a volatile temper, unwillingness to help others, being a busybody, or a person with whom it is difficult to get along?  When people hear your name, what enters their minds?  Do they think of a loving and kind person?  For example, if people you work with hear that you are a Christian, are they surprised?  Are you wearing God’s “badge” of discipleship?