A Behavioral Proposition

AM Psalm 18:1-20 • PM Psalm 18:21-50
Exod. 16:10-22 • 1 Pet. 2:11-25 • John 15:12-27

The scripture lesson for today from the Gospel According to John, presents some challenging circumstances. Hidden within the beautiful verses is the “big IF.” You are my friends IF (my capitalization) you do what I command you.

Whew!

The passage then goes on with a plea to explore how a relationship with our Savior works. Some examples are: “Love one another.” “Love one another as I loved you.” “A servant is not greater than his master.” “If I had not done such deeds among them, as no one else has ever done, they would not be guilty of sin...”

Then the writer of John’s Gospel presents a time frame to establish the consequences of faithful witness. He uses the “if - then” structure of the Synoptic Gospels. It is not exactly like the Synoptic Gospels, which are sometimes called The Book of Signs, but in our more modern vocabulary he recommends specific behavior and expresses a pretty clear example of what being a follower of the Risen Lord requires.

He says: “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his Master is about. I have called you friends...You did not choose me. I chose you. This is my commandment to you: love one another.”

In some ways the “if-then” is not like the synoptic gospels. In my understanding it expresses a closer example of what being a follower of the risen Lord specifically requires...LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Written by Doug Cummins

Doug Cummins majored in music at TCU. He completed the Bachelor of Music Education and the Master of Fine Arts in Theatre at TCU, the Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School and the Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University.