The Command of Love

Read: John 15:9-17
 
As we keep moving through our series, "Echoes of the Empty Tomb," it feels like the fruit in our spiritual vineyard is almost ready to be picked. Since January, we’ve been building our "Unshakable" foundation. In February and March, we walked "The Wilderness Road," learning to open our hearts, let go of our secrets, and listen for the Shepherd’s voice even when things felt dry. We’ve stood with Thomas, walked the Emmaus road, and last week, we practiced quietly "Abiding in the Vine." Now, in this fifth week of Eastertide, the vine is no longer just a symbol of connection—it’s a call to action. Our theme, "The Command of Love" from John 15:9-17, marks the moment when the life of the Resurrection shows itself as a gift for others.
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Jesus starts this passage by reminding us, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." This is the first and most important step. Before we can follow the "Command of Love," we need to know that we are loved just as deeply as the Father loves the Son. This love isn’t something we earn by doing well on the wilderness road; it’s simply who we are. To abide in His love means to settle into the truth that we are chosen. Throughout our series, we’ve seen that the Resurrection is not only about Jesus coming back to life, but about bringing us back to the Father’s heart. When we live in this love, our obedience comes naturally, not from trying to prove ourselves.

But Jesus doesn’t just ask us to sit and reflect. He gives us the "Command of Love," saying, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." This is what the empty tomb means for our everyday lives in 2026. After weeks of looking inward—repenting, seeing, and learning to stay close to him—we are now called to act. The love Jesus asks for isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice to give of ourselves. It’s such love that "lays down its life for its friends." Most of us won’t be asked to die for others, but we are all called to set aside our pride, our plans, and our need to be right. This is the kind of love that lasts—the love that changed the disciples and started the early church.

This week’s scripture shows a significant change: Jesus calls us friends rather than servants. He says, "I do not call you servants any longer... but I have called you friends." This changes how we see ourselves. A servant obeys out of duty or fear, but a friend acts out of closeness and common purpose. In our "Unshakable" series, we saw God as our refuge, but now we see Him as our companion. This friendship helped the early church through hard times, and it helps us too. We are not just workers; we are trusted friends of the King. He has shared His heart with us, and that brings us real joy.

Jesus also explains why he gives these commands: "I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." This is the heart of the "Echo of the Empty Tomb." Earlier, we were just trying to survive, looking for hope and light. Now, during Eastertide, we are invited to experience real joy. This joy comes from living out the command to love. It’s a deep satisfaction that comes when Christ’s love flows through us to others. When we love each other, we’re not just following a rule—we’re sharing in God’s own happiness.

As we look ahead to Pentecost, we remember that we didn’t choose this journey—He chose us. "You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit." This is our solid foundation. We don’t need to worry about being "loving enough" or "productive enough" on our own. Jesus chose us to carry His love, even when we were lost or afraid. He calls us to bear "fruit that will last," which means that every modest act of love—like a kind word, a generous gesture, or simply listening—matters forever. These are the echoes that last long after we’re gone.

This week, I encourage you to live as God’s friend. Bring the "Command of Love" into your daily life—at home, at work, and in your neighborhood. If you stay connected to the Vine, you don’t have to force love; just let it flow. Find ways to give up a little comfort to help someone else. Remember, you were chosen for this time. The wilderness prepared us, but now our mission is to love. As Pentecost approaches, let your love show that the resurrection is more than a story—it’s the life we share.

I hope that as you share love, you find your own joy growing. May you hear Jesus call you "friend" in the still moments of your day. Let your life show lasting fruit for the One who loved us enough to give His life and strong enough to rise again. Our journey goes on, but we walk it together as friends, connected by the greatest love there is.