#1484. Jesus’ Last Words - On Love (31/3/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. As we approach Easter, we are reflecting on some of Jesus’ final words from the Last Supper and the Upper Room Discourse in John’s Gospel. 

During the Upper Room Discourse, as Jesus speaks of His impending betrayal and death (John 13:18–38), He gives His disciples what is often called the new commandment. The term Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum novum - “a new commandment.” On this day, we reflect on what this command means for us.

Today we see that a Christian is marked by love: they know how Jesus has loved them, and they seek to love others.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. We must experience Jesus’ love

During the Last Supper, Jesus speaks extensively about love. The Greek noun agapē (love) and the verb agapaō appear only a handful of times in John 1–12, but 31 times in chapters 13–17.

Jesus first says, “Love one another. As I have loved you…” A Christian is someone who knows they have been loved by Jesus. He does not simply command love - He demonstrates it perfectly.

The gospel is beautifully summarised in John 3:16:

A Christian, then, is someone who believes that Jesus has loved them by giving Himself at the cross for their salvation.

2. We must give Jesus’ love

Secondly, a Christian is someone who seeks to love others. This is not optional—it is essential. Jesus says:

He expands this further:

Our love for others is the fruit of being born again. This is not about perfection. We are saved by believing - as John’s Gospel repeatedly emphasises - not by our ability to love others!

However, while we all fall short, true Christians will increasingly display this mark. Love becomes the visible evidence of a transformed life.

Response

Knowing that we are loved by Jesus through the cross, and then seeking to reflect that love, is the mark of a true Christian.

As we reflect on Jesus’ final words, let us hear His call: rest in His love, and ask for grace to imitate it.

Let’s finish with this wonderful encouragement:

Remain in the truth that you are loved - loved by Jesus as the Father loves Him!

And remain in His love by sharing it with others.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we began a short Easter Series - Jesus' Last Words - which is based upon The Upper Room Discourse and Last Supper in John’s Gospel ( (John 13:1–17:26). 

Please read John 13:1-13 and discuss:

• Personal reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Let Jesus serve us – What does this text teach about how Jesus desires to serve us?

• Let’s serve one another – In what ways are we called to model our service on Jesus’ example?

• Roles and relationships – What roles and relationships has God placed you in, and how can you practically serve like Christ within them?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Modelling Jesus’ service -  From our text, how does letting Jesus serve us and then serving in His likeness bring Him glory and build bridges to share our faith? 

• Easter services - is there anyone that you intend to invite to our Easter services? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for our upcoming Easter Services. 

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?