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Christian children sit amid the devastation caused by the cyclone in Burma
SUFFERING CHURCH SUNDAY
“Love one another as I have loved you”
(John 13:31–38)
John 13:31-38 (NIV)
”When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”
“Tears of joy made them unable to speak, because their situation was very bad and they felt that the Lord had answered their prayer. They thanked you and prayed for you.”
The response from Christians in Burma when they received a supply of rice through a grant from Barnabas Aid
“The Lord brought us brothers and sisters from far to help us in our time of need. We are full of joy and very thankful.”
Younis, a Pakistani Christian whose home was destroyed in the devastating floods in 2010
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you”
(John 15:12)
Why do we not make this command a high priority?
• Perhaps we do not realize how important it is?
• Perhaps we are not sure how to do it?
• Perhaps we think we do not have the ability to do it?
Why must we love? (John 13:31-32)
Jesus laid down His life in love and God raised Him up...
We must express that love by serving His people...
In this way, we show God’s love to the world...
So God will raise us up to be with Jesus.
How should we love? (John 13:34-35)
On the basis and model of Jesus’ love for His disciples
To show others that we are followers of Jesus
In practical and visible ways
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18)
How can we love? (John 13:33, 36-38)
Because of Christ’s death and exaltation
In the power of the Spirit whom He has given us
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).
Love for other Christians...
is the path to glory for us, as it was for Jesus
involves caring for one another after His example
is possible because He has died and ascended to heaven to enable us to follow His example
What is our response?
Many Christians suffer poverty, discrimination, harassment and persecution because of their faith in Jesus.
We can relieve their pain and transform their lives by our prayers, gifts and encouragement.
Our response must be to “love one another” as Jesus has loved us and as He commands us.
6731 Curran Street
McLean, VA 22101
Telephone: (703) 288-1681 or toll-free 1-866-936-2525
Email: [email protected]
www.barnabasaid.org
