John 13:34 Explained
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." — John 13:34 (KJV)
John 13:34 is Jesus' 'new commandment' — love, measured by an entirely new standard: the way he has loved.
Context
Jesus has just washed the disciples' feet and predicted his betrayal — at the Last Supper, hours before the cross. In that setting he gives the command that he says will mark his followers (13:35).
What it means
What is 'new' about loving one another (the Old Testament already commanded it)? The standard: 'as I have loved you.' Jesus' self-giving, foot-washing, soon-to-be-crucified love becomes the new measure. The command is not 'love as you can' but 'love as I have loved' — a standard impossible without him.
How to pray it
Pray this verse with one specific person in mind — someone hard to love. Ask not 'how should I love them?' but 'how have YOU loved me?' and let that be the measure. The standard is grace received becoming grace given.
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