EGW WritingsJohn 13
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 3
Read John 13 in the BibleJohn 13:19-37
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 41, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 41, 1897, par. 5
“Little children, yet a little while I am with you,” Christ said. “Ye shall seek me, and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.” [John 13:33.]12LtMs, Ms 41, 1897, par. 6
Christ, who can read the hearts of all, knew that this was a great shock to His disciples, and in answer to Peter’s inquiry, “Lord, whither goest thou?” He said, “Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.” [Verse 36.] These words were remembered when Peter himself was crucified.12LtMs, Ms 41, 1897, par. 7
Peter said unto him, “Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.” [Verse 37.] These words were indeed fulfilled. After Peter had denied his Lord [and] had been converted, he remembered them. When He was called up before His persecutors he remembered his shameful denial of Christ, and urged that he be crucified with his head downward. He did die for the Master he loved; and even in the manner of his death, he followed his Lord.12LtMs, Ms 41, 1897, par. 9
He told them that the time was coming that they would be put out of the synagogue, and that those who killed them would think that they were doing God a service. [Verse 2.] He stated plainly why He told them these things while He was with them—that when they should transpire, they would remember that He told them of them before they came to pass and believe on Him as their Redeemer. [John 13:19.] Thus is expressed the great love and tender compassion of the Son of God. In prefiguring His future He was plain and definite that in their coming trials and difficulties, the disciples might know that the Most High would not forget or forsake them, but would send them the Holy Spirit, to remain with them always.John 13:21
Christ Triumphant
Covetousness and Greed Will Lead to Ruin if Indulged, September 14
CTr 264.1
Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. John 13:21.From the Heart
Judas and John Contrasted, September 27
FH 282.1
Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me. John 13:21.John 13:27
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 76—Judas
DA 717.2
Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character, and Christ placed him where he would have an opportunity to see and correct this. As treasurer for the disciples, he was called upon to provide for the needs of the little company, and to relieve the necessities of the poor. When in the Passover chamber Jesus said to him, “That thou doest, do quickly” (John 13:27), the disciples thought He had bidden him buy what was needed for the feast, or give something to the poor. In ministering to others, Judas might have developed an unselfish spirit. But while listening daily to the lessons of Christ and witnessing His unselfish life, Judas indulged his covetous disposition. The small sums that came into his hands were a continual temptation. Often when he did a little service for Christ, or devoted time to religious purposes, he paid himself out of this meager fund. In his own eyes these pretexts served to excuse his action; but in God’s sight he was a thief.John 13:31
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Future
1TT 131.1
At the transfiguration, Jesus was glorified by His Father. We hear Him say: “Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” John 13:31. Thus before His betrayal and crucifixion He was strengthened for His last dreadful sufferings. As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last conflict, “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” they will grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His spirit. As the third message swells to a loud cry, and as great power and glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble. Their faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the third angel.John 13:31-38
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 97, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 3
“Therefore when he (Judas) was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God be glorified in Him, God shall also glorify Him in Himself, and shall straightway glorify Him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you.” [John 13:31-33.]21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 6
“Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards. Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.” [Verses 34-38.]21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 14
“Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:33, 34.]21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 15
Why was this a new commandment? Christ, in His death on the cross, was about to give a manifestation of His love—such an expression of love as had never before been heard of. “A new commandment”—it is to “love one another, as I have loved you.” [Verse 34.]21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 17
“As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [Verse 34.] Christ’s love for us led Him to Calvary. Laying off His royal robe, stepping down from the high command of the angels in heaven, He came as a lowly babe, born and laid in a manger in Bethlehem. He might have brought with Him to this world legions of angels. But, no. He came to fill the humblest position, to bear all the temptation to which men are subject. Thus He gave an example to our world of what humanity may become. He was tempted just as strongly as any one of the human family can be tempted. Through His ministration He has made it possible for us to become partakers of the divine nature.21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 18
“As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [Verse 34.] Then what is our work?—It is to seek earnestly for that love in the heart that Christ will give to each of His followers who will eat of His flesh, and drink of His blood—which means to receive His words.21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 25
We need to practice this new commandment, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] That is what we need, and God will help us if we will only do as He bids us. He has opened before us a new and wonderful chapter of love—“Love, as I have loved you.” Nothing short of this can be an adequate response to the great sacrifice of Christ in coming to our world to give His life for us, to stand at the head of humanity, that humanity may take hold of divinity. With His long human arm He has encircled the race, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. Thus we are linked through Him to the Father.21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 41
Here is outlined the very work that we individually are to do. My dear friends, if I could see the converting power of God come into our churches, it seems to me I should be the happiest mortal alive. They have the Bible, the truth of the Word. They have had it line upon line, precept upon precept, but they have not in their hearts that love which Christ desires—“As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] They love themselves; they live for themselves. Oh, they need to open the heart to the love of Christ.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
DA 662.1
Looking upon His disciples with divine love and with the tenderest sympathy, Christ said, “Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” Judas had left the upper chamber, and Christ was alone with the eleven. He was about to speak of His approaching separation from them; but before doing this He pointed to the great object of His mission. It was this that He kept ever before Him. It was His joy that all His humiliation and suffering would glorify the Father’s name. To this He first directs the thoughts of His disciples.DA 662.2
Then addressing them by the endearing term, “Little children,” He said, “Yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.”DA 662.3
The disciples could not rejoice when they heard this. Fear fell upon them. They pressed close about the Saviour. Their Master and Lord, their beloved Teacher and Friend, He was dearer to them than life. To Him they had looked for help in all their difficulties, for comfort in their sorrows and disappointments. Now He was to leave them, a lonely, dependent company. Dark were the forebodings that filled their hearts.DA 662.4
But the Saviour’s words to them were full of hope. He knew that they were to be assailed by the enemy, and that Satan’s craft is most successful against those who are depressed by difficulties. Therefore He pointed them away from “the things which are seen,” to “the things which are not seen.” 2 Corinthians 4:18. From earthly exile He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home.DA 663.1
“Let not your heart be troubled,” He said; “ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” For your sake I came into the world. I am working in your behalf. When I go away, I shall still work earnestly for you. I came into the world to reveal Myself to you, that you might believe. I go to the Father to co-operate with Him in your behalf. The object of Christ’s departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared. It did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He might come again, and receive them unto Himself. While He was building mansions for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude.DA 663.2
Still the disciples were perplexed. Thomas, always troubled by doubts, said, “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.”DA 663.3
There are not many ways to heaven. Each one may not choose his own way. Christ says, “I am the way: ... no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” Since the first gospel sermon was preached, when in Eden it was declared that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head, Christ had been uplifted as the way, the truth, and the life. He was the way when Adam lived, when Abel presented to God the blood of the slain lamb, representing the blood of the Redeemer. Christ was the way by which patriarchs and prophets were saved. He is the way by which alone we can have access to God.DA 663.4
“If ye had known Me,” Christ said, “ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.” But not yet did the disciples understand. “Lord, show us the Father,” exclaimed Philip, “and it sufficeth us.”DA 663.5
Amazed at his dullness of comprehension, Christ asked with pained surprise, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?” Is it possible that you do not see the Father in the works He does through Me? Do you not believe that I came to testify of the Father? “How sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man. Though He had humbled Himself to humanity, the Godhead was still His own. Christ alone could represent the Father to humanity, and this representation the disciples had been privileged to behold for over three years.DA 664.1
“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.” Their faith might safely rest on the evidence given in Christ’s works, works that no man, of himself, ever had done, or ever could do. Christ’s work testified to His divinity. Through Him the Father had been revealed.DA 664.2
If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ’s suffering and death to save a perishing world. Christ was seeking to lead them from their low condition of faith to the experience they might receive if they truly realized what He was,—God in human flesh. He desired them to see that their faith must lead up to God, and be anchored there. How earnestly and perseveringly our compassionate Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptation that was soon to beat upon them. He would have them hid with Him in God.DA 664.3
As Christ was speaking these words, the glory of God was shining from His countenance, and all present felt a sacred awe as they listened with rapt attention to His words. Their hearts were more decidedly drawn to Him; and as they were drawn to Christ in greater love, they were drawn to one another. They felt that heaven was very near, and that the words to which they listened were a message to them from their heavenly Father.DA 664.4
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ continued, “He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also.” The Saviour was deeply anxious for His disciples to understand for what purpose His divinity was united to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in them. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.DA 664.5
“And greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” By this Christ did not mean that the disciples’ work would be of a more exalted character than His, but that it would have greater extent. He did not refer merely to miracle working, but to all that would take place under the working of the Holy Spirit.DA 667.1
After the Lord’s ascension, the disciples realized the fulfillment of His promise. The scenes of the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ were a living reality to them. They saw that the prophecies had been literally fulfilled. They searched the Scriptures, and accepted their teaching with a faith and assurance unknown before. They knew that the divine Teacher was all that He had claimed to be. As they told their experience, and exalted the love of God, men’s hearts were melted and subdued, and multitudes believed on Jesus.DA 667.2
The Saviour’s promise to His disciples is a promise to His church to the end of time. God did not design that His wonderful plan to redeem men should achieve only insignificant results. All who will go to work, trusting not in what they themselves can do, but in what God can do for and through them, will certainly realize the fulfillment of His promise. “Greater works than these shall ye do,” He declares; “because I go unto My Father.”DA 667.3
As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Saviour’s unlimited resources and power. He said to them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name.” John 16:24. He explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make request for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.DA 667.4
The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. There is no one living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”DA 667.5
“In My name,” Christ bade His disciples pray. In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made for them, they are of value in the Lord’s sight. Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ’s sake the Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe.DA 668.1
The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.DA 668.2
But to pray in Christ’s name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour’s promise is given on condition. “If ye love Me,” He says, “keep My commandments.” He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.DA 668.3
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.DA 668.4
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever was given to Christ—the “all things” to supply the need of fallen men—was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And “whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.DA 668.5
Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the most essential and complete gift to bestow upon His followers, a gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of grace. “I will pray the Father,” He said, “and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you.” John 14:16-18, margin.DA 669.1
Before this the Spirit had been in the world; from the very beginning of the work of redemption He had been moving upon men’s hearts. But while Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until they were deprived of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit, and then He would come.DA 669.2
The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high.DA 669.3
“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” Jesus read the future of His disciples. He saw one brought to the scaffold, one to the cross, one to exile among the lonely rocks of the sea, others to persecution and death. He encouraged them with the promise that in every trial He would be with them. That promise has lost none of its force. The Lord knows all about His faithful servants who for His sake are lying in prison or who are banished to lonely islands. He comforts them with His own presence. When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. All the reproaches that fall upon him, fall upon Christ. Christ is condemned over again in the person of His disciple. When one is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ ravishes the heart with His love. When one suffers death for His sake, Christ says, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, ... and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. The life that is sacrificed for Me is preserved unto eternal glory.DA 669.4
At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.DA 670.1
The disciples still failed to understand Christ’s words in their spiritual sense, and again He explained His meaning. By the Spirit, He said, He would manifest Himself to them. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things.” No more will you say, I cannot comprehend. No longer will you see through a glass, darkly. You shall “be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:18, 19.DA 670.2
The disciples were to bear witness to the life and work of Christ. Through their word He was to speak to all the people on the face of the earth. But in the humiliation and death of Christ they were to suffer great trial and disappointment. That after this experience their word might be accurate, Jesus promised that the Comforter should “bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”DA 670.3
“I have yet many things to say unto you,” He continued, “but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” Jesus had opened before His disciples a vast tract of truth. But it was most difficult for them to keep His lessons distinct from the traditions and maxims of the scribes and Pharisees. They had been educated to accept the teaching of the rabbis as the voice of God, and it still held a power over their minds, and molded their sentiments. Earthly ideas, temporal things, still had a large place in their thoughts. They did not understand the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, though He had so often explained it to them. Their minds had become confused. They did not comprehend the value of the scriptures Christ presented. Many of His lessons seemed almost lost upon them. Jesus saw that they did not lay hold of the real meaning of His words. He compassionately promised that the Holy Spirit should recall these sayings to their minds. And He had left unsaid many things that could not be comprehended by the disciples. These also would be opened to them by the Spirit. The Spirit was to quicken their understanding, that they might have an appreciation of heavenly things. “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,” said Jesus, “He will guide you into all truth.”DA 671.1
The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.DA 671.2
In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He could solicit from His Father for the exaltation of His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.DA 671.3
Of the Spirit Jesus said, “He shall glorify Me.” The Saviour came to glorify the Father by the demonstration of His love; so the Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing His grace to the world. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.DA 671.4
“When He [the Spirit of truth] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The preaching of the word will be of no avail without the continual presence and aid of the Holy Spirit. This is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. Only when the truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit will it quicken the conscience or transform the life. One might be able to present the letter of the word of God, he might be familiar with all its commands and promises; but unless the Holy Spirit sets home the truth, no souls will fall on the Rock and be broken. No amount of education, no advantages, however great, can make one a channel of light without the co-operation of the Spirit of God. The sowing of the gospel seed will not be a success unless the seed is quickened into life by the dew of heaven. Before one book of the New Testament was written, before one gospel sermon had been preached after Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the praying apostles. Then the testimony of their enemies was, “Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.” Acts 5:28.DA 672.1
Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.DA 672.2
In His discourse to the disciples, Jesus made no mournful allusion to His own sufferings and death. His last legacy to them was a legacy of peace. He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”DA 672.3
Before leaving the upper chamber, the Saviour led His disciples in a song of praise. His voice was heard, not in the strains of some mournful lament, but in the joyful notes of the Passover hallel:DA 672.4
“O praise the Lord, all ye nations:Praise Him, all ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the Lord endureth forever.
Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 117.
DA 673.1
After the hymn, they went out. Through the crowded streets they made their way, passing out of the city gate toward the Mount of Olives. Slowly they proceeded, each busy with his own thoughts. As they began to descend toward the mount, Jesus said, in a tone of deepest sadness, “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31. The disciples listened in sorrow and amazement. They remembered how in the synagogue at Capernaum, when Christ spoke of Himself as the bread of life, many had been offended, and had turned away from Him. But the twelve had not shown themselves unfaithful. Peter, speaking for his brethren, had then declared his loyalty to Christ. Then the Saviour had said, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” John 6:70. In the upper chamber Jesus said that one of the twelve would betray Him, and that Peter would deny Him. But now His words include them all.DA 673.2
Now Peter’s voice is heard vehemently protesting, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” In the upper chamber he had declared, “I will lay down my life for Thy sake.” Jesus had warned him that he would that very night deny his Saviour. Now Christ repeats the warning: “Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” But Peter only “spake the more vehemently, If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in anywise. Likewise also said they all.” Mark 14:29, 30, 31. In their self-confidence they denied the repeated statement of Him who knew. They were unprepared for the test; when temptation should overtake them, they would understand their own weakness.DA 673.3
When Peter said he would follow his Lord to prison and to death, he meant it, every word of it; but he did not know himself. Hidden in his heart were elements of evil that circumstances would fan into life. Unless he was made conscious of his danger, these would prove his eternal ruin. The Saviour saw in him a self-love and assurance that would overbear even his love for Christ. Much of infirmity, of unmortified sin, carelessness of spirit, unsanctified temper, heedlessness in entering into temptation, had been revealed in his experience. Christ’s solemn warning was a call to heart searching. Peter needed to distrust himself, and to have a deeper faith in Christ. Had he in humility received the warning, he would have appealed to the Shepherd of the flock to keep His sheep. When on the Sea of Galilee he was about to sink, he cried, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30. Then the hand of Christ was outstretched to grasp his hand. So now if he had cried to Jesus, Save me from myself, he would have been kept. But Peter felt that he was distrusted, and he thought it cruel. He was already offended, and he became more persistent in his self-confidence.DA 674.1
Jesus looks with compassion on His disciples. He cannot save them from the trial, but He does not leave them comfortless. He assures them that He is to break the fetters of the tomb, and that His love for them will not fail. “After I am risen again,” He says, “I will go before you into Galilee.” Matthew 26:32. Before the denial, they have the assurance of forgiveness. After His death and resurrection, they knew that they were forgiven, and were dear to the heart of Christ.DA 674.2
Jesus and the disciples were on the way to Gethsemane, at the foot of Mount Olivet, a retired spot which He had often visited for meditation and prayer. The Saviour had been explaining to His disciples His mission to the world, and the spiritual relation to Him which they were to sustain. Now He illustrates the lesson. The moon is shining bright, and reveals to Him a flourishing grapevine. Drawing the attention of the disciples to it, He employs it as a symbol.DA 674.3
“I am the true Vine,” He says. Instead of choosing the graceful palm, the lofty cedar, or the strong oak, Jesus takes the vine with its clinging tendrils to represent Himself. The palm tree, the cedar, and the oak stand alone. They require no support. But the vine entwines about the trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So Christ in His humanity was dependent upon divine power. “I can of Mine own self do nothing,” He declared. John 5:30.DA 675.1
“I am the true Vine.” The Jews had always regarded the vine as the most noble of plants, and a type of all that was powerful, excellent, and fruitful. Israel had been represented as a vine which God had planted in the Promised Land. The Jews based their hope of salvation on the fact of their connection with Israel. But Jesus says, I am the real Vine. Think not that through a connection with Israel you may become partakers of the life of God, and inheritors of His promise. Through Me alone is spiritual life received.DA 675.2
“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the husbandman.” On the hills of Palestine our heavenly Father had planted this goodly Vine, and He Himself was the husbandman. Many were attracted by the beauty of this Vine, and declared its heavenly origin. But to the leaders in Israel it appeared as a root out of a dry ground. They took the plant, and bruised it, and trampled it under their unholy feet. Their thought was to destroy it forever. But the heavenly Husbandman never lost sight of His plant. After men thought they had killed it, He took it, and replanted it on the other side of the wall. The vine stock was to be no longer visible. It was hidden from the rude assaults of men. But the branches of the Vine hung over the wall. They were to represent the Vine. Through them grafts might still be united to the Vine. From them fruit has been obtained. There has been a harvest which the passers-by have plucked.DA 675.3
“I am the Vine, ye are the branches,” Christ said to His disciples. Though He was about to be removed from them, their spiritual union with Him was to be unchanged. The connection of the branch with the vine, He said, represents the relation you are to sustain to Me. The scion is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine stock. The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the Beloved.DA 676.1
This union with Christ, once formed, must be maintained. Christ said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” This is no casual touch, no off-and-on connection. The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the root to the branches is unobstructed and constant. Separated from the vine, the branch cannot live. No more, said Jesus, can you live apart from Me. The life you have received from Me can be preserved only by continual communion. Without Me you cannot overcome one sin, or resist one temptation.DA 676.2
“Abide in Me, and I in you.” Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. The channel of communication must be open continually between man and his God. As the vine branch constantly draws the sap from the living vine, so are we to cling to Jesus, and receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character.DA 676.3
The root sends its nourishment through the branch to the outermost twig. So Christ communicates the current of spiritual strength to every believer. So long as the soul is united to Christ, there is no danger that it will wither or decay.DA 676.4
The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches. “He that abideth in Me,” said Jesus, “and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing.DA 676.5
“My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.” While the graft is outwardly united with the vine, there may be no vital connection. Then there will be no growth or fruitfulness. So there may be an apparent connection with Christ without a real union with Him by faith. A profession of religion places men in the church, but the character and conduct show whether they are in connection with Christ. If they bear no fruit, they are false branches. Their separation from Christ involves a ruin as complete as that represented by the dead branch. “If a man abide not in Me,” said Christ, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”DA 676.6
“And every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth [pruneth] it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” From the chosen twelve who had followed Jesus, one as a withered branch was about to be taken away; the rest were to pass under the pruning knife of bitter trial. Jesus with solemn tenderness explained the purpose of the husbandman. The pruning will cause pain, but it is the Father who applies the knife. He works with no wanton hand or indifferent heart. There are branches trailing upon the ground; these must be cut loose from the earthly supports to which their tendrils are fastening. They are to reach heavenward, and find their support in God. The excessive foliage that draws away the life current from the fruit must be pruned off. The overgrowth must be cut out, to give room for the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The husbandman prunes away the harmful growth, that the fruit may be richer and more abundant.DA 677.1
“Herein is My Father glorified,” said Jesus, “that ye bear much fruit.” God desires to manifest through you the holiness, the benevolence, the compassion, of His own character. Yet the Saviour does not bid the disciples labor to bear fruit. He tells them to abide in Him. “If ye abide in Me,” He says, “and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers. This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them, you receive the life of the Vine. You live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.DA 677.2
In this last meeting with His disciples, the great desire which Christ expressed for them was that they might love one another as He had loved them. Again and again He spoke of this. “These things I command you,” He said repeatedly, “that ye love one another.” His very first injunction when alone with them in the upper chamber was, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” To the disciples this commandment was new; for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. He saw that new ideas and impulses must control them; that new principles must be practiced by them; through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is one continual service of love, of self-denying, self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of Christ’s sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one with another.DA 678.1
This love is the evidence of their discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples,” said Jesus, “if ye have love one to another.” When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity, that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness inherent in the natural heart.DA 678.2
This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan. Christ did not mark out for His disciples an easy path. “If the world hate you,” He said, “ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.” The gospel is to be carried forward by aggressive warfare, in the midst of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering. But those who do this work are only following in their Master’s steps.DA 678.3
As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He, the messenger of mercy to our world, seemed to do little of the work He longed to do in uplifting and saving. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through the prophecy of Isaiah He declares, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.... Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and My God shall be My strength.” It is to Christ that the promise is given, “Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to Him whom man despiseth, to Him whom the nation abhorreth; ... thus saith the Lord: ... I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.... They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.” Isaiah 49:4, 5, 7-10.DA 679.1
Upon this word Jesus rested, and He gave Satan no advantage. When the last steps of Christ’s humiliation were to be taken, when the deepest sorrow was closing about His soul, He said to His disciples, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” “The prince of this world is judged.” Now shall he be cast out. John 14:30; 16:11; 12:31. With prophetic eye Christ traced the scenes to take place in His last great conflict. He knew that when He should exclaim, “It is finished,” all heaven would triumph. His ear caught the distant music and the shouts of victory in the heavenly courts. He knew that the knell of Satan’s empire would then be sounded, and the name of Christ would be heralded from world to world throughout the universe.DA 679.2
Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.DA 679.3
“These things I have spoken unto you,” He said, “that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. They are to live as He lived, and work as He worked, because they depend on Him as the great Master Worker. Courage, energy, and perseverance they must possess. Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace they are to go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are called upon to surmount them. They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything. With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has bound them to the throne of God. It is His purpose that the highest influence in the universe, emanating from the source of all power, shall be theirs. They are to have power to resist evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power that will enable them to overcome as Christ overcame.DA 680.1
Christ designs that heaven’s order, heaven’s plan of government, heaven’s divine harmony, shall be represented in His church on earth. Thus in His people He is glorified. Through them the Sun of Righteousness will shine in undimmed luster to the world. Christ has given to His church ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. He has bestowed upon His people capabilities and blessings that they may represent His own sufficiency. The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches of His mercy, His grace, and His love, are to appear in full and final display. Christ looks upon His people in their purity and perfection, as the reward of His humiliation, and the supplement of His glory,—Christ, the great Center, from whom radiates all glory.DA 680.2
With strong, hopeful words the Saviour ended His instruction. Then He poured out the burden of His soul in prayer for His disciples. Lifting His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”DA 680.3
Christ had finished the work that was given Him to do. He had glorified God on the earth. He had manifested the Father’s name. He had gathered out those who were to continue His work among men. And He said, “I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; ... I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”DA 680.4
Thus in the language of one who has divine authority, Christ gives His elect church into the Father’s arms. As a consecrated high priest He intercedes for His people. As a faithful shepherd He gathers His flock under the shadow of the Almighty, in the strong and sure refuge. For Him there waits the last battle with Satan, and He goes forth to meet it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 56, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 56, 1907, par. 5
“Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards. Peter said unto Him, Lord, Why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.” [John 13:31-38.]John 13:33
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 171, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 171, 1905, par. 17
Christian benevolence grows with the exercise of the gift of giving. The Lord said to His disciples just before He left them, “Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall see Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.” John 13:33. The Lord sees all the danger, and how tenderly He uttered the words “little children.” They may safely put their trust in Him as little children, imitating the example of Christ, especially His humility, condescension, and kindness; and in believing in His merits, in His love toward them, and in His declarations to them; and in obeying His Word and keeping His commandments. Christ does not want any who claim to believe in Him to injure their influence to speech or action, for they dishonor Him and put Him to shame and bring reproach upon His name. Love for Christ is evidenced in love for those who believe in Jesus Christ, especially when leading men become exalted and would advocate a ruling, dominating power over others. Leading men will in their wisdom, which is foolishness, reveal they are in no condition to command or to be honored; for they have dishonored themselves in their supposed superiority. Their wisdom stands forth as foolishness.John 13:33-34
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 70, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 70, 1892, par. 3
The Lord Jesus, in His prayer to His Father just before He was crucified, prayed that His disciples might be one as He was one with the Father. That oneness means agreement, love for one another; and this is what the dear Saviour wants you to have—Ella May love for Mabel, and Mabel love for Ella May. This will be answering the prayer of Christ. It makes great sadness when there is any contention between sisters, Jesus said, “Little children, yet a little while I am with you. ... A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:33, 34.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 44, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 44, 1898, par. 7
The Saviour addressed His disciples, “Little children, yet a little while am I with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:33, 34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 48, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 48, 1907, par. 11
“In view of a manifestation of such love, what is our duty?—We are to seek for that spirit of love expressed in the words: ‘Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, so now I say to you, Whither I go, ye can not come, so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.’ [John 13:33, 34.]22LtMs, Lt 48, 1907, par. 12
“Why was this a new commandment? Christ in His death on the cross was about to give a manifestation of His love—such an expression of love as had never before been heard of. ‘A new commandment’—it is to love one another ‘as I have loved you.’ [Verse 34.]22LtMs, Lt 48, 1907, par. 15
“‘As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.’ [Verse 34.] Christ’s love for us led Him to Calvary. Laying off His royal robe, stepping down from the high command of the angels in heaven, He came as a lowly babe, born and laid in a manger in Bethlehem. He might have brought with Him to this world legions of angels. But no! He came to fill the humblest position, to bear all the temptations to which man is subject. Thus He gave to the world an example of what humanity is to become. He was tempted just as strongly as any member of the human family can be tempted. Through His ministration He has made it possible for us to become partakers of the divine nature.22LtMs, Lt 48, 1907, par. 16
“‘As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.’ [Verse 34.] Then what is our work? It is to seek earnestly for that love that Christ will give to each of His followers in they will eat of His flesh and drink of His blood. This means to receive His words and to open the Word of life to others. ...John 13:33-35
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 6, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 7
In giving this commandment on the night of His betrayal, Christ addressed His disciples as “little children.” They were full-grown men, but, like all the rest of the human family—rich and poor, high and low—in comparison with God they were little children. “Little children,” Christ declared, “yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:33, 34.]18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 9
Having given His disciples the new commandment, “Love one another, as I have loved you,” Christ foretold the sure result: “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [Verses 34, 35.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1556—Church Leader to Be Self-Denying and Humble, Not Proud and Dictatorial
21MR 272.2
At this time the only safety of those who are keeping God’s commandments is in being of one heart, bound up with Christ and with one another, hid with Christ in God. (John 13:33-35.) The Saviour looks upon the coming conflict and He calls upon His people to strengthen themselves by taking hold of His strength, by making peace with Him so that when they are challenged, as they will be, God can give them the experience of Jacob, enabling them to claim the words of the promise: “Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore” (Ezekiel 37:26-28).21MR 274.5
Those in the household of faith should cherish love for one another, praying with and for one another. “A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said, “That ye love one another; ... By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34, 35). Thus a living, practical testimony is to be borne in favor of the truth. There is not one thread of selfishness woven into this web.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 108, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 108, 1899, par. 7
Addressing His disciples as “little children,” Christ said to them, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” By this manifestation of love “shall all men know that ye are my disciples.” [John 13:33-35.] There is need of far more childlike simplicity. This love God now demands His disciples to show for each other. He is greatly dishonored because His professed followers are drawing in their own lines, and closing their hearts to the softening, subduing influence of Christ’s Spirit. Instead of exerting the pure, holy, uplifting influence that dwelt in Christ, many are manifesting Satan’s attributes.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 19, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 19, 1901, par. 17
At this time, the only safety of those who are keeping God’s commandments is in being of one heart, bound up with Christ and with one another, hid with Christ in God. John 13:33-35. The Saviour looks upon the coming conflict, and He calls upon His people to strengthen themselves by taking hold of His strength, by making peace with Him, so that when they are challenged, as they will be, God can give them the experience of Jacob, enabling them to claim the words of the promise: “Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them! it shall be an everlasting covenant; and I will place them, and multiply them, and set my sanctuary in the midst of them forevermore. Yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them.” [Ezekiel 37:26-28.]16LtMs, Lt 19, 1901, par. 27
Those in the household of faith should cherish love for one another, praying with and for one another. “A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said, “that ye love one another. ... By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.] Thus a living, practical testimony is to be borne in favor of the truth. There is not one thread of selfishness woven into this web.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 175, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 175, 1903, par. 6
“Little children,” He said to the disciples just before He left them, “yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another. ... By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:33-35.]18LtMs, Lt 175, 1903, par. 8
Why did Christ say, “A new commandment I give unto you”? [Verse 34.] Because in the suffering and death just before Him, the disciples were to see how much He loved them and how much He expected them to love one another.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 240, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 240, 1903, par. 8
Let us diligently study the words that Christ spoke to His disciples in the upper chamber a little while before His crucifixion. He was nearing His hour of trial, but His thoughts were not of His own suffering and death. He sought for words of consolation to speak to His disciples who were soon to be so severely tempted and tried. “Little children, yet a little while am I with you,” He said. “Ye shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:33-35.] This is the great lesson that all need to learn.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 51, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 51, 1903, par. 1
“Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another. ... By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:33-35.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 127, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 127, 1905, par. 2
If ever there was a time when the writings of every one connected with our work should be closely criticized, it is now. The Lord has made known to me that His Word is to be studied; and as no such representations as those made in Living Temple are made in the Word, we are to reject them. We are to take the Word as God has given it to us. If Christ had thought it essential for such theories to be presented to human minds, He would have included them in His teachings. As our Owner and Redeemer, He has put in His Word all the instruction that is necessary for our salvation. Christ was about to leave His disciples. His trial, humiliation, and death were near at hand. But He was not thinking of Himself; He was searching for some solace to give His disciples, who were so soon to be severely tempted and tried. “Little children,” He said, “yet a little while am I with you. Ye shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:33-35.]John 13:33-38
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 184, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 184, 1897, par. 2
“Ye shall seek me,” said Christ to His disciples, “and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you.” “Simon Peter said to him, Lord whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now, but thou shalt follow me afterwards.” Peter seemed to realize that Christ was referring to His death, for he said, “Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shalt not crow before thou shalt deny me thrice.” [John 13:33, 36-38.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 334, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 334, 1907, par. 7
When Christ came to the time of His great trial, His thoughts were not for Himself, but for the disciples whom He was to leave in the world to meet its trials and conflicts. “Little children,” He said to them, “yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me, and as I said unto the Jews, whither I go ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples if ye have love one for another.” [John 13:33-35.] “As I have loved you,” the Saviour said. The fulness of that love was yet to be demonstrated in His sufferings and cruel death at the hands of men who hated Him because His piety and grace revealed their own great lack.22LtMs, Lt 334, 1907, par. 8
“Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest Thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards. Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.” [Verses 36-38.]John 13:34
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 12—Asking to Give
COL 144.2
One of Christ’s last commands to His disciples was “Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34. Do we obey this command, or are we indulging sharp, unchristlike traits of character? If we have in any way grieved or wounded others, it is our duty to confess our fault and seek for reconciliation. This is an essential preparation that we may come before God in faith, to ask His blessing.Our Father Cares
The Renewed Heart Loves as Christ Loved, January 10
OFC 21.1
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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 31, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 31, 1911, par. 19
Christ says, “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.] Paul says, “If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” [Galatians 6:1.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Unseen, October 20
JNN 309.4
Christ had bidden the first disciples love one another as He had loved them. Thus they were to bear testimony to the world that Christ was formed within, the hope of glory. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). At the time when these words were spoken, the disciples could not understand them; but after they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, after His crucifixion and resurrection, and ascension to heaven, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer conception of the love of God and of the nature of that love which they must have for one another. Then John could say to his fellow disciples: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”Prayer
Chapter 31—Asking to Give
Pr 308.3
One of Christ’s last commands to His disciples was “Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34. Do we obey this command, or are we indulging sharp, unchristlike traits of character? If we have in any way grieved or wounded others, it is our duty to confess our fault and seek for reconciliation. This is an essential preparation that we may come before God in faith, to ask His blessing.Reflecting Christ
Cherished Evil Must Be Replaced by Christ’s Love, July 27
RC 222.5
“A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). What a wonderful statement; but, oh, how poorly practiced! In the church of God today brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who profess to love the Saviour do not love one another. Unbelievers are watching to see if the faith of professed Christians is exerting a sanctifying influence upon their lives; and they are quick to discern the defects in characters, the inconsistencies in action.Reflecting Christ
The Disciples Revealed the Love of Christ, October 30
RC 317.4
Christ had bidden the first disciples love one another as He had loved them. Thus they were to bear testimony to the world that Christ was formed within, the hope of glory. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). At the time when these words were spoken, the disciples could not understand them; but after they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, after His crucifixion and resurrection, and ascension to heaven, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer conception of the love of God and of the nature of that love which they must have for one another....Sons and Daughters of God
The Renewed Heart Loves as Christ Loved, April 4
SD 101.1
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.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 38—One with Christ in God
8T 241.2
The believers were ever to cherish the love that filled the hearts of the apostles after the descent of the Holy Spirit. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment: “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. So closely were they to be united to Christ that they would be enabled to fulfill His requirements. The power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness was to be magnified.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 53—“Consider One Another”
7T 265.5
No human being possesses sensibilities so acute or a nature so refined as does our Saviour. And what patience He manifests toward us. Year after year He bears with our weakness and ignorance, with our ingratitude and waywardness. Notwithstanding all our wanderings, our hardness of heart, our neglect of His holy words, His hand is stretched out still. And He bids us: “Love one another; as I have loved you.” John 13:34.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
A Christlike Work
6T 284.1
God is always giving; and upon whom are His gifts bestowed? Upon those who are faultless in character? “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. Notwithstanding the sinfulness of humanity, notwithstanding that we so often grieve the heart of Christ and prove ourselves most undeserving, yet when we ask His forgiveness, He does not turn us away. His love is freely extended to us, and He bids us: Love one another as I have loved you. John 13:34.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 54—A Faithful Witness
AA 547.1
Christ had bidden the first disciples love one another as He had loved them. Thus they were to bear testimony to the world that Christ was formed within, the hope of glory. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. At the time when these words were spoken, the disciples could not understand them; but after they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, after His crucifixion and resurrection, and ascension to heaven, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer conception of the love of God and of the nature of that love which they must have for one another. Then John could say to his fellow disciples:AA 550.1
“A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. What a wonderful statement; but, oh, how poorly practiced! In the church of God today brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who profess to love the Saviour do not love one another. Unbelievers are watching to see if the faith of professed Christians is exerting a sanctifying influence upon their lives; and they are quick to discern the defects in character, the inconsistencies in action. Let Christians not make it possible for the enemy to point to them and say, Behold how these people, standing under the banner of Christ, hate one another. Christians are all members of one family, all children of the same heavenly Father, with the same blessed hope of immortality. Very close and tender should be the tie that binds them together.Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 27—“Who is My Neighbour?”
COL 381.1
The Samaritan had fulfilled the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” thus showing that he was more righteous than those by whom he was denounced. Risking his own life, he had treated the wounded man as his brother. This Samaritan represents Christ. Our Saviour manifested for us a love that the love of man can never equal. When we were bruised and dying, He had pity upon us. He did not pass us by on the other side, and leave us, helpless and hopeless, to perish. He did not remain in His holy, happy home, where He was beloved by all the heavenly host. He beheld our sore need, He undertook our case, and identified His interests with those of humanity. He died to save His enemies. He prayed for His murderers. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, “These things I command you, that ye love one another”; “as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 15:17; 13:34.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 54—The Good Samaritan
DA 503.6
In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, “These things I command you, that ye love one another.” “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 15:17; 13:34.The Ministry of Healing
Chapter 10—Helping the Tempted
MH 162.2
The Saviour’s example is to be the standard of our service for the tempted and the erring. The same interest and tenderness and long-suffering that He has manifested toward us, we are to manifest toward others. “As I have loved you,” He says, “that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. If Christ dwells in us, we shall reveal His unselfish love toward all with whom we have to do. As we see men and women in need of sympathy and help, we shall not ask, “Are they worthy?” but “How can I benefit them?”The Upward Look
Christ Loves the Sinner, April 18
UL 122.1
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.This Day With God
Individual Preparation, June 5
TDG 165.1
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.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 93—To Brethren in Responsible Positions
1888 721.2
Now is the time for God’s people to take up the duties that lie next them. Be faithful in the little things; for on the right performance of these hang great results. Do not leave the work which needs to be done, because it appears to your judgment to be small and inconsiderable. Make up every waste place, repair the breaches as fast as they occur. Let no differences or dissensions exist in the church. Let all go to work to help someone who needs help. There is a cause for the great weakness in our churches, and that cause it is hard to remove. It is self. Men have none too much will, but they must have it wholly sanctified to God. They need to fall on the Rock, and be broken. Self must be crucified in every one who shall enter the gates of the city of God. The fierce spirit which rises up in the hearts of some in the church when anything does not please them, is the spirit of Satan, and not the Spirit of Christ. Is it not fully time that we return to our first love, and be at peace among ourselves? We must show ourselves to be not only Bible readers, but Bible believers. If we are united to Christ, we shall be united to one another. (See John 13:34: Romans 15:1-5.)Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
A Christlike Work
2TT 521.5
God is always giving; and upon whom are His gifts bestowed? Upon those who are faultless in character? “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. Notwithstanding the sinfulness of humanity, notwithstanding that we so often grieve the heart of Christ and prove ourselves most undeserving, yet when we ask His forgiveness, He does not turn us away. His love is freely extended to us, and He bids us: Love one another as I have loved you. John 13:34.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Our Only Safety
3TT 245.1
The believers were ever to cherish the love that filled the hearts of the apostles after the descent of the Holy Spirit. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment: “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. So closely were they to be united to Christ that they would be enabled to fulfill His requirements. The power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness was to be magnified.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 54—John, Faithful Witness for Christ
TT 287.2
Christ had bidden the disciples to love one another as He had loved them. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. After they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer concept of the nature of that love which they must have for one another. Then John could say: “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”From Heaven With Love
Chapter 54—The Good Samaritan
HLv 338.1
In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been bruised, robbed, and left to perish by Satan. But the Saviour left His glory to come to our rescue. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He made complete provision for us as His own charges. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, “As I have loved you, ... love one another.” John 13:34.Counsels for the Church
Union With Christ and One Another Our Only Safety
CCh 43.4
The believers were ever to cherish the love that filled the hearts of the apostles after the descent of the Holy Spirit. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment: “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. So closely were they to be united to Christ that they would be enabled to fulfill His requirements. The power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness was to be magnified.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 2, 1857
1LtMs, Ms 2, 1857, par. 8
I have seen the great sacrifice Jesus made to redeem man. He did not consider His own life too dear to sacrifice. “Love one another as I have loved you,” He said. [John 13:34.] Ask yourself the question, Do you feel, when a brother errs, you could give your life to save him from that error, and that danger? It places him in [danger] of losing his soul. If you feel thus, you can approach him and affect his heart. You are just the one to visit that brother. But it is a fearful truth that many who profess to be brethren are not willing to sacrifice their opinions or judgment to save a brother. There is but little love for one another. A selfish spirit has been manifested.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 1, 1856
1LtMs, Ms 1, 1856, par. 6
Said Jesus, Love one another as I have loved you. [John 13:34.] How much? Why His love cannot be told. He left the glory that He had with the Father before the world was, and was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. He bore every indignity and scorn patiently. Behold His agony in the garden when He prayed that the cup might pass from Him, His hands and feet wounded,—all this for guilty, lost man. And Jesus says, Love as I have loved you. How much? Well, enough to give your life for a brother. But has it come to this, that self must be gratified, the Word of God neglected? The world is their god—they serve it and the love of God has departed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 9, 1857
1LtMs, Lt 9, 1857, par. 4
Brother Rumery, you have felt, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Said the angel, “Thou art thy brother’s keeper, and in a degree responsible for his soul.” Jesus died for you. Said the angel: “Love one another as I have loved you.” How much? Enough to give your life for a brother. Said Jesus, “Can ye drink of the cup? Can ye be baptized with the baptism?” “Love one another as I have loved you.” [Genesis 4:9; Mark 10:38; John 13:34.] Will you for this world’s goods suffer him to stumble over your close dealing—your close, covetous dealing—to perdition? That brother that stumbles thus will be required at your hand.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 2, 1869
2LtMs, Ms 2, 1869, par. 11
I saw that the truth of God was reproached, brought into disrepute by Brother Hare’s lack of consecration. He does not live out the truth. Great responsibilities rest upon every one who professes the truth to exemplify in his life the life of Christ. Brother Hare, as Christ’s representative upon [the] earth, is required to be like the pattern, full of goodness and compassion. He is required to live an unselfish life, uncorrupted amid the corruption of this world. His heart should be filled with love to his fellow men, such enduring, unaffected, fervent, zealous love as dwelt in the bosom of Jesus Christ, which led Him to die for a fallen world. Says Christ, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 3, 1877
3LtMs, Ms 3, 1877, par. 3
This is a work you must take hold of earnestly; and when you find a wandering sheep, call him to the fold; and leave him not until you see him safely enfolded there. May Heaven let the Spirit that was in our divine Lord rest upon us. This is what we want. He tells us, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Go out for the lost sheep of the house of Israel.3LtMs, Ms 3, 1877, par. 14
I want to say, brethren and sisters, that we must labor for the wandering where they are. You need not expect that those who have the chilling influence of the world upon them to manifest anxiety for their own souls. We must manifest it for them. Do you appreciate salvation? Do you appreciate the great sacrifice that has been made for you? If you do, God help you to deny yourselves, and make this sacrifice for your fellow men. “Love one another, as I have loved you,” said Christ. [John 13:34.] He left the glory and splendor which he enjoyed on high. None of these were sufficient to hold him there and prevent him from coming down to elevate you. And now are you willing to engage in the work with all your energies, and help your fellow mortals around you? God give you a spirit of self-denial.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 7, 1882
3LtMs, Ms 7, 1882, par. 13
You will urge you have an unblemished character, but God’s eye discerns impurities and condemns you as transgressors of His law. While you claim to be keeping His commandments, you have been envious, jealous, fault-finding, uncourteous, unkind, cruel, and unforgiving. The commandments showing the duty man owes to his fellow man have been transgressed. You have loved self and hated your brother, when the Lord says, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” “Love one another as I have loved you.” [Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34.] How much, Lord? That you will suffer insult, reproach, contempt, abuse, and death if need be, for His sake. This is the love that Christ has given to men to practice. You have a work to do to meet the mind of the Spirit of God, to repent and confess your sins before God, and to right your wrongs as far as is possible for you to do. You have no time to lose.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 19, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 19, 1886, par. 18
Said Christ, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] What a depth and breadth to such an injunction as this. This will require soul struggle which Jesus revealed in His life; they will pray as Jesus prayed; they will entreat and plead for the erring as Christ importuned with His Father for sinful rejecters of His love and His salvation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 70, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 70, 1886, par. 16
Study the message to the Laodicean church; for it applies to many in New York. You need to buy of Christ gold, white raiment, and eyesalve. You need to be zealous, and repent. Please consider: zealous does not mean a few feeble prayers and half-hearted confessions; it means an earnest, determined effort to conquer worldly, selfish love, and to be consecrated, devoted Christians, shedding a tender warmth and love wherever you may be. You must awake and obtain heart-culture, or you will fail of heaven. Christ is coming. Are you ready? Are you waiting? Are you loving His appearing? What wondrous love Christ has shown for us! And He said, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 35, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 35, 1885, par. 15
We should not be like the people of the Noachian world to have our minds all engrossed in eating and drinking, and marrying and giving in marriage. Christ is soon to come, and who is ready to meet Him? Have you felt for the young around you? Have you given your means to send the truth to the far-off heathen? and overlooked the very ones right by your door? Here are souls right around us that we might save if we would give them our help. We want to watch our opportunities to give help to souls. How many of us while gossiping might take the Bible and give a knowledge to precious souls? We must meet the record of our lives in the judgment. Christ says, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Do we manifest that love for souls in darkness that Christ manifested for us? Will we take the bread of life and eat it in silence when souls are perishing around us?Education
Chapter 27—Deportment
Ed 242.2
“As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 4, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 4, 1888, par. 13
Now, is it not best to believe on Christ? You say you do, but we can tell whether you do or not. If you do, Christ is formed within you, the hope of glory. If you have the love of God in your hearts, you will be led to sacrifice for those around you. He says, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called the children of God.” Then He says, “The world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” [1 John 3:1.] While in the world, we are to be the light of the world. We are to kindle our taper at the divine altar; [we are] to lay our souls before Him in surrender as did Jacob. Let His will prevail, and then you will have in your hearts a living connection with God, and you can tell of Christ to those around you. And you will do this, for you cannot hold your peace. There are many who are going to ruin all around us. Am I my brother’s keeper? The truth of God, if presented in a right spirit, might save many. Carry it to them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 8a, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 8a, 1888, par. 35
Brethren, God has most precious light for His people. I call it not new light, but O, it is strangely new to many. Jesus said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] This was really an old commandment, which had been given in the Old Testament Scriptures, but it had been lost. It had not been practiced. The command that they should love one another as Christ had loved them was indeed new to the disciples. But the revealing of this love would give to the world an unmistakable evidence that they were God’s children.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 1f, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 1f, 1890, par. 6
There is a cause for the great weakness in our churches, and that cause it is hard to remove. It is self. Men have none too much will, but they must have it wholly sanctified to God. They need to fall on the Rock and be broken. Self must be crucified in everyone who shall enter the gates of the city of God. The fierce spirit which rises up in the hearts of some in the church when anything does not please them, is the spirit of Satan, and not the Spirit of Christ. Is it not fully time that we return to our first love and be at peace among ourselves? We must show ourselves to be not only Bible readers, but Bible believers. If we are united to Christ, we shall be united one to another. See John 13:34; Romans 15:1-5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 16, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 4
Christ said to His disciples, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Is this commandment obeyed? Do we love one another with that unselfish love which Jesus manifested for our souls? Is not the love of Jesus dying out of our institutions and our churches, and selfish interests taking its place? We are to put from us everything that savors of selfishness, of disagreement, disaffection, or variance. There should be no contentions, no evil surmisings, no seeking the supremacy. They who seek to be the first, the highest, shall be last and least of all. If we are Christ’s, we shall be one, even as He was one with the Father. His grace will unite the hearts of His disciples. Jesus took the nature of humanity in order to reveal to man a pure, unselfish love, to teach us how to love one another.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 33, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 33, 1890, par. 11
While you so readily think and speak evil of one another, while you allow the root of bitterness to spring up and be cherished, your influence scatters from Christ, and hardens hearts in resistance of the sweet spirit of unity and peace. Put it all away without a moment’s delay. “Love one another,” Christ says, “as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] If you love Christ, you will love one another. Do not let Satan make you weak by stealing a march upon you. Do not let him lead you to enlist in his service, to be hateful and hating one another. “Love as brethren, be pitiful; be courteous.” [1 Peter 3:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 109, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 109, 1893, par. 8
There is a class who need to search the Scriptures most diligently to understand individually what they must do to be saved. None need be left in ignorance, thinking the crucified Redeemer has provided for them, that He has done it all in suffering—the guiltless for the guilty, that Christ has died for their sins, and they are saved—and they need not be so very particular. Do they bear the characteristics of Christlikeness? Are they Christians in the home life? Are they tender of heart to the wife and children? Are they cherishing true courtesy in the home life? Are they cultivating the precious plant of love? Jesus said, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 48, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 35
“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] My brother, you cannot possess more acute sensibilities than had our Saviour; but how does your life compare with His? In what sense have you been in sympathy with Christ in His work? O, you need to know Jesus! What patience He has manifested toward us! Year after year He has borne with our weakness and ignorance and defects, borne with our ingratitude, our waywardness, our wanderings, our hardness of heart, our neglect of His Holy Words; notwithstanding all this, His hand is stretched out to us in mercy still. And He bids us, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 50, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 50, 1893, par. 11
If a man will not exercise his arm, it becomes weak and deficient in muscular strength. Unless the Christian exercises his spiritual powers, he acquires no strength of character, no moral vigor. Love is a very precious plant and must be cultivated if it flourishes. The precious plant of love is to be treated tenderly, and it will become strong and vigorous and rich in fruit-bearing, giving expression to the whole character. A Christlike nature is not selfish, not unkind, will not hurt the souls of those who are struggling with Satan’s temptations. They will enter into the feelings [of those] that are tempted, that the trials and temptations shall be so managed as to bring out the gold and consume the dross. This is the practice which God appoints you. In this, Christ’s school, you may learn your lessons daily, and teachers and pupils are to be patient, humble, generous, noble. You will have to seek God most earnestly in prayer mingled with living faith, and the molding hand of God will bring out His own image in your character. Temptations will come, but [will] not overcome. Through grace found in opening the heart to the knock and voice of Jesus, Christian character and experience is growing more and more beautiful and heavenly. Let us bear in mind that we are dealing with souls that Christ has purchased with infinite cost to Himself. O, tell the erring, “God loves you, God died for you.” Weep over them, pray with them. Shed tears over them, but do not get angry with them. They are Christ’s purchased possession. Let every one seek a character that will express love in all their actions. “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” [Matthew 18:6.] It were better not to live than to exist day by day devoid of that love which Christ has revealed in His character and has enjoined upon His children, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
“Consider One Another”
GW 496.4
No human being possesses sensibilities so acute or a nature so refined as does our Saviour. And what patience He manifests toward us! Year after year He bears with our weakness and ignorance, with our ingratitude and waywardness. Notwithstanding all our wanderings, and hardness of heart, our neglect of His holy words, His hand is stretched out still. And He bids us, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 34, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 34, 1894, par. 18
Divine truth exercises little influence upon our fellow men, when it should exercise much influence through our practice. Truth, precious truth, is Jesus in the life, a living, active principle. “Love one another,” says Christ, “as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] You cannot lay the vigilance of Christianity to rest by passing over the cases of your brethren who are in distressed circumstances. You may feel that you are doing God’s service while leaving the yoke of oppression upon their necks because it is in your power to do this, and pressing every dime possible into the great treasury. Your motives may be good, but it is a false theory that will permit distress and want in the effort to help the cause of God. The glory of heaven is in lifting up the fallen, speaking peace to aching, distressed hearts that are crying unto God for relief, while their fellow men who might relieve, priest and Levite, pass by on the other side.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 45, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 45, 1894, par. 26
Every soul that is suffering, from any cause, appeals to the pity and sympathy of other hearts; and all who are imbued with the love, the tenderness and compassion of Jesus will respond. They do not say, “This does not concern me.” They do not act the part of the elder brother. They manifest personal interest; in sympathy, in acts of mercy and love, misery meets with compassion. There will be Christlike action, in going out in search of the lost sheep, obeying the Saviour’s words, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Every soul that attempts to retrace its wanderings and return to God needs help from human agents who have the tender, pitying heart of Christlike love.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 43, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 43, 1895, par. 7
Christ has found His pearl of great price in lost perishing souls. He sold all that He had to come into possession [of that pearl; He] even engaged to do the work [Himself] and [to] run the risk of losing His own life in the conflict. How then should man regard his fellow man? Christ has demonstrated the way. He says, “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.] When these words are heeded and obeyed in the spirit and in the letter, we will be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. When these words are practiced by those who claim to have wisdom to guide the sheep of the Lord’s pasture, they have far less selfishness, far less boasting, far less putting forth the finger and speaking vanity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 119, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 32
Christ has found His pearl of great price in lost, perishing souls. He sold all that He had to come into possession, even engaged to do the work and run the risk of losing His own life in the conflict. How then should man regard his fellow man? Christ has demonstrated the way. He says, “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.] When those words are heeded and obeyed in the spirit and in the letter, we will be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. When these words are practiced by those who claim to have wisdom to guide the sheep of the Lord’s pasture, there will be far less selfishness, far less boasting, far less putting forth the finger and speaking vanity. Jesus is to superintend all events in the present and future of His church. John was instructed to write the things which he had seen, “and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” [Revelation 1:19, 20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 55, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 55, 1895, par. 17
We felt that the Holy Spirit of God was in the meeting that night, and that conviction was resting upon the hearts of many of the hearers. As soon as I had closed my discourse, a sister who had seen and rejoiced in the truth, but had turned from the faith, came to me with her Bible in her hand and said, “Christ said, ‘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.] Why was this new, my sister?”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 7, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 19
The manner has been presented to me thus: A drowning man, vainly struggling with the waves, discovers a boat, and with his last remaining strength succeeds in reaching it, and lays hold upon its side. In his weakness he cannot speak, but the agony upon his face would excite pity in any heart that was touched with human tenderness. But do the occupants of the boat stretch out their hands to lift him in? No! All heaven looks on as these men beat off the feeble, clinging hands, and a suffering fellow being sinks beneath the waves, to rise no more. This scene has been enacted over and over again. It has been witnessed by One who gave His life for the ransom of just such souls. The Lord has reached down His own hand to save. The Lord Himself has done the work which He left for man to do, in revealing the pity and compassion of Christ toward sinners. Jesus says, “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.] Calvary reveals to every one of us the depths of that love.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 63, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 63, 1896, par. 13
Through our relation of friendship and familiarity with human beings like ourselves, we may exert an uplifting influence. Those who are united in a common hope and faith in Christ Jesus can be a blessing to one another. Jesus says, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Love is not simply an impulse, a transitory emotion, dependent upon circumstances; it is a living principle, a permanent power. The soul is fed by the streams of pure love that flow from the heart of Christ, as a well-spring that never fails. O, how is the heart quickened, how are its motives ennobled, its affections deepened, by this communion! Under the education and discipline of the Holy Spirit, the children of God love one another, truly, sincerely, unaffectedly—“without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” [James 3:17.] And this because the heart is in love with Jesus. Our affection for one another springs from our common relation to God. We are one family, we love one another as He loved us. When compared with this true, sanctified, disciplined affection, the shallow courtesy of the world, the meaningless expressions of effusive friendship, are as chaff to the wheat.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 52, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 52, 1896, par. 39
Divine truth exercises little influence upon our fellow men, when it should exercise much influence through our practice. Truth, precious truth, is Jesus in the life, a living, active principle. “Love one another,” says Christ, “as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] You cannot lay the vigilance of Christianity to rest by passing over the cases of your brethren who are in distressed circumstances.In Heavenly Places
We Are God’s Property, August 1
HP 220.3
There will be a constant prayer, Keep me by Thy power; let not my feet slide; let not my heart be filled with ambitious plans to exalt myself.... Teach me how to practice the art of self-emptying in order to be supplied with the grace of Christ and have that love Christ prayed that I might have, “as I have loved you” (John 13:34). I must receive grace that I may supply others with that grace. Oh, give my soul much nearness to God, that I may receive His disposition and love my brethren. Help me, O Lord, to realize that I am of myself unable to do anything in its true, pure bearings. Self, self, will be continually active for recognition, even in the very holiest of exercises....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 60, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 60, 1897, par. 5
The love that is inspired by the love we have for Jesus will see in every soul, rich and poor, a value that cannot be measured by human estimate. The world sinks into insignificance in comparison with the value of one soul. The love of God revealed for man is beyond any human computation; it is infinite. And the human agent, who is a partaker of the divine nature, will love as Christ loves, will work as Christ worked. There will be an inborn compassion and sympathy which will not fail nor be discouraged. This is the spirit that should be encouraged to live in every heart and be revealed in every life. This love can only exist, and be kept refined, holy, pure, and elevated, through the love in the soul for Jesus Christ, nourished by daily communion with God. All this coldness on the part of Christians is a denial of the faith. But this spirit will melt away before the bright beams of Christ’s love in the follower of Christ. Willingly, naturally, he will obey the injunction, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 70, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 70, 1898, par. 6
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] This is God’s command. Jesus has given an additional requirement, “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.] We are not merely to love our neighbor as ourselves; we are to love one another as Christ has loved us. “As my Father hath loved me, so have I loved you,” He declared, “continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.” [John 15:9-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 121, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 121, 1898, par. 23
We have individually a battle to fight which no one else can fight for us. We need to obtain all we can of the help God Himself has provided for the perfection, that the body may be complete and harmonious in Christ Jesus. Perfect unity must exist in a diversity of gifts. A union of all the gifts is essential. The one great commandment Christ has given is a new commandment. It reaches beyond loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. We are to love one another, “as I,” said Christ, “have loved you.” [John 13:34.] This experience must be obtained by every child of God. All must blend together in the work, thus making the work not one-sided, but a complete whole.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 167, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 26
Many bitter sneers had been hurled at the Samaritan. The one whose example Christ brought before His hearers took his revenge by acting as Jesus would have acted. Risking his own life, he treated the wounded man as his brother. This Samaritan represented Christ. Christians who are Christians in truth and not in name only, who are meek and lowly followers of the Master, will act as did the good Samaritan. Christ has made all one. In Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free. The Bible declares that all human beings are to be respected as God’s property. Divine love makes its most touching appeal to our hearts when it calls upon us to manifest the same tender compassion that Christ manifested. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. In all our affliction He was afflicted. He created man, and died to save man. He loves human beings as the purchase of His own blood, and He says to us, “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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 2, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 2, 1899, par. 38
In our individual salvation we are laborers together with God, and through our surrender to God we become channels of light, instruments in saving the souls ready to die. In seeking to establish the work in this country, you would have been co-operating with God in obedience to Christ’s word, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] This will lead men to do many things in co-operation with unseen agencies, setting in operation ways and means of saving souls.Lift Him Up
Christ’s New Commandment, May 14
LHU 148.1
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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 72, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 72, 1901, par. 6
Those who are laboring to make of none effect the law of God try to make it apparent that Christ’s commandments and the commandments of the Father are not the same. They claim that God’s law is abrogated, and that the commandment of Christ is the new commandment recorded in (John 13:34): “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” But all who neglect to be doers of the words of Christ are refusing to be doers of the words of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 98, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 98, 1902, par. 30
Let the members of the churches in Greater New York hold fast their profession of the faith once delivered to the saints. As you walk in the light, pray, simply trusting in Jesus, your Redeemer. He desires every one having faith in Him to be a true helper. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He says, “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 12, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 12, 1902, par. 27
The believers were to cherish the love that had filled the hearts of the apostles after the descent of the Holy Spirit. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] So closely were they to be united to Christ that they would be enabled to fulfil His requirements. The power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness was to be magnified.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 105, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 25
Has the truth been lodged in your hearts? Is the miracle-working power of the grace of God seen in your lives? Do you understand, by personal experience, the joy of heavenly peace and the power of Christ’s gentleness? Christ’s commandments is “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] Wherever the love of Jesus reigns, there is peace and rest. Where this love is cherished, it is as a refreshing stream in a desert, transforming barrenness into fertility.Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 144—As the End Draws Near
2MR 225.4
There is a cause for the great weakness in our churches, and that cause it is hard to remove. It is self. Men have none too much will, but they must have it wholly sanctified to God. They need to fall on the Rock and be broken. Self must be crucified in everyone who shall enter the gates of the city of God. The fierce spirit which rises up in the hearts of some in the church when anything does not please them, is the spirit of Satan, and not the spirit of Christ. Is it not fully time that we return to our first love, and be at peace among ourselves? We must show ourselves to be not only Bible readers, but Bible believers. If we are united to Christ, we shall be united to one another. (See John 13:34; Romans 15:1-5.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 22, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 22, 1902, par. 6
The commission Christ gave His disciples was, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” [Mark 16:15.] The walls of partition erected by the Jewish nation were broken down. He who is the Creator and the Redeemer of the world presented in His teachings a new order of things. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He said, “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] Not till after Christ’s death on the cross did the disciples understand these words. Then they saw that in its height and depth and breath, Christ’s love is beyond measurement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 143, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 143, 1903, par. 7
The unbelievers were ever to cherish the love that filled the hearts of the apostles after the descent of the Holy Spirit. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] So closely were they to be united to Christ that they would be enabled to fulfil His requirements. The power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness was to be magnified.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 149, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 149, 1903, par. 10
The believers were ever to cherish the love that filled the hearts of the apostles after the descent of the Holy Spirit. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] So closely were they to be united to Christ that they would be enabled to fulfil His requirements. The power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness was to be magnified.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 182, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 182, 1903, par. 17
There will be a constant prayer, Keep me by Thy power; let not my feet slide; let not my heart be filled with ambitious plans to exalt myself; and let me not be angered because I am not considered by all to be the greatest power in the church. Teach me how to practice the art of self-emptying in order to be supplied with the grace of Christ and have that love Christ prayed that I might have—“as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] I must receive grace that I may supply others with that grace. Oh, give my soul much nearness to God, that I may receive His disposition and love my brethren. Help me, O Lord, to realize that I am, of myself, unable to do anything in its true, pure bearings. Self, self will be continually active for recognition, even in the very holiest of exercises.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 31, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 31, 1904, par. 1
The Lord will greatly bless you if you will come into unity. But He cannot place His approval on the spirit of disunion that exists. The grace of God is not revealed by this spirit. All of you have a part to act in changing the present condition of things. Will you not strive to answer the prayer of Christ? You are not all of the same stamp of character, but by showing tact and consideration, you can work together in harmony. We are to love one another, Christ says, “as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 109, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 19
Divine love makes its most touching appeals when it calls upon us to manifest the same tender compassion that Christ manifested. He was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. He loves men and women as the purchase of His own blood, and He says to us, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another.” [John 13:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 242, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 242, 1906, par. 32
“Let us learn to follow the Bible rule for dealing with the erring. Let us do our part to answer Christ’s prayer for unity among His people. During the coming year, let us obey the new commandment which Christ gave to His disciples in every age, ‘Love one another, as I have loved you.’ [John 13:34.] For our soul’s sake let us serve Him with more zeal and earnestness than we have ever served Him before.My Life Today
Christian Courtesy, July 7
ML 192.1
As I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 186, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 186, 1907, par. 24
God calls upon us to make a different showing than we have made in the past as laborers together with Him. In all matters pertaining to the work of God, the workers should cherish feelings of consideration and sympathy for one another. The old, natural, selfish ideas must die and a new birth take place. In all his actions the worker is to be governed by Christ’s laws of justice and judgment. He is to accept as his creed the command of his Master, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] He will regard his neighbor and his brother with the same respect that he bears for himself. Truth and righteousness will be the regulators of his course of action.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 8, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 8, 1907, par. 4
“A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said to His disciples, “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] The disciples did not then understand the love that Christ had for them, but after they had witnessed the scenes of His humiliation and death, they understood more fully the depths of His marvelous love.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 71, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 71, 1907, par. 15
When there are those who can find access to hearts, do give them a chance. What will you, who have been so indifferent, bring to the Master at last? “Love one another,” He says, “as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] He left the royal courts. He might have brought with Him legions of angels, but He did not. He took upon Himself humanity, that He might touch humanity, and that humanity might lay hold upon divine power to carry out the work of God.John 13:34-35
Ye Shall Receive Power
Love: The Best Advertisement for Truth, June 21
YRP 181.1
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35.YRP 181.4
Through our relation of friendship and familiarity with human beings like ourselves, we may exert an uplifting influence. Those who are united in a common hope and faith in Christ Jesus can be a blessing to one another. Jesus says, “Love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Love is not simply an impulse, a transitory emotion, dependent upon circumstances; it is a living principle, a permanent power. The soul is fed by the streams of pure love that flow from the heart of Christ, as a wellspring that never fails.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 51, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 51, 1894, par. 5
Jesus would impress upon the church the fact that they are His brethren, and that they are to unite with Him as laborers together with God. They are to be a brotherhood for the saving of humanity. Christ expects a very different work from the church than that which has been given him. The people of God will not answer the expectation of Christ until they are converted and prepared to obey the commandments of Christ. He says, “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.]9LtMs, Ms 51, 1894, par. 6
Again He says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [Verse 35.] When this commandment is obeyed, envy, evil thinking, evil surmising, and evil speaking will be banished. In the character of those who love God, these evils will have no part. Love means spiritual growth after the divine Model. Christ has given us a pattern in His own example. He would bind His followers to one another and to Himself. Their oneness with Christ makes them love one another, for love is the sure fruit of unity with Christ. Christ declared that their love for one another was a sure badge of their discipleship. He is the root, the disciples are the branches.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 66, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 23
Christ stands at the head of humanity. There was in Christ a subjection of the human to the divine. He clothed His divinity with humanity and placed His own person under the obedience of divinity. Satan tempted Adam and Eve to believe that they should be as gods. Christ requires that humanity shall obey divinity. In His humanity Christ was obedient to all of His Father’s commandments. And now He says to His disciples, “These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.” [Verses 11, 12.] “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.] Christ had expressed His love for man in that He had given His life for the ransom of the world. And this love is to measure the love that His disciples should ever evidence for one another.12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 25
“Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” “By this shall all man know that ye are my disciples”—disciples of Him who laid down His life for those whom He loved. “Ye are my friends,” He says, “if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard from my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye may ask the Father in my name He may give it you. These things I command you that ye love one another.” [John 15:13-17; 13:35.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 140, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 140, 1902, par. 19
Just before His crucifixion Christ said to His disciples, “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.]17LtMs, Ms 140, 1902, par. 21
“By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another,” Christ declared. [Verse 35.] Let us follow the Saviour’s example. Let none take upon himself the grace responsibility of ruling the conscience of his fellow men. This God forbids. We are all God’s little children. No kingly power is to be exercised.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 120, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 120, 1902, par. 21
Let us learn to follow the Bible rule for dealing with the erring. Let us do our part to answer Christ’s prayer for unity among His people. During the coming year let us obey the new commandment that Christ gave to His disciples in every age, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.] For our soul’s sake let us serve Him with more zeal and earnestness than we have ever served Him before.17LtMs, Ms 120, 1902, par. 23
We have the privilege of being loyal members of the Lord’s family, children of the heavenly King. Shall we not act like brethren and sisters, treating one another kindly, tenderly, affectionately? “By this,” Christ declares, “shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:35.] Let us remember these words.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 158, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 158, 1902, par. 72
Every one who submits to the solemn rite of baptism pledges himself to obey the words, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] Not until the disciples saw Christ dying on the cross for the sins of the world did they understand the meaning of His love for them. Therefore the injunction to love one another was called a new commandment. They were to love one another with the love manifested on the cross of Calvary. The blood of Christ speaks better things than the blood of Abel. It tells of His eternal, unchanging love for us.17LtMs, Ms 158, 1902, par. 73
The influence of Christlike love is far reaching. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,” Christ declares. [Verse 35.] Thus we are to bear witness for Christ. Thus we give proof of the genuineness of our Christianity.A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
Texts of Scripture Referred to on Page 8
ExV 38.3
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34, 35.Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1044—Deficiencies and Mistakes of Gospel Workers not to be Publicized
13MR 277.2
Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” [John 8:7]. Then He continued to trace the peculiar secret sins of the individual accusers. One after another discerned the fact that Jesus knew the sin that the sinner had thought was hidden so deep that it would not be discovered. Conscious of guilt, they left the trembling woman alone with Jesus. Jesus turned and looked upon the woman and inquired, “Hath no man condemned thee?” She answered, “No man, Lord. Then Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” [verses 10, 11]. Let those who name the name of Jesus take heed to the new commandment which Jesus has given to His disciples. He says, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” [John 13:34, 35]. Let the teachings of Jesus have the weight that they deserve. Let us not be simply hearers of the Word, but doers also.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 154, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 27
Our Saviour has given His children lesson upon lesson in regard to humility. His words are unmistakably plain: “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 3.] As in John’s epistles, the believers are spoken of as little children and are exhorted to love one another. Before Christ left His disciples, He instructed them to love one another, that all men might know that they were His disciples. “A new commandment,” He declared, “I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love for one another.” [John 13:34, 35.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 120, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 120, 1903, par. 17
“He that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” [1 John 2:11.] Not long before His crucifixion Christ said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.]18LtMs, Ms 120, 1903, par. 18
Why was this called a new commandment? The disciples had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. They had not yet seen the fulness of the love that He was to reveal in man’s behalf. They were yet to see Him dying on the cross for their sins. Through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another was to gain a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. In the light shining from the cross of Calvary they were to read the meaning of the words, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [Verse 34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 55, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 55, 1903, par. 3
“A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 123, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 123, 1904, par. 15
Just before Christ left His disciples, to enter upon His great conflict with the powers of darkness, He said to them, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 7, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 7, 1904, par. 9
“A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said again, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 50, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 50, 1908, par. 7
Just before His departure, Jesus said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one for another.” [John 13:34, 35.] Here is the mark to which we are to endeavor to attain.Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]
MR No. 205—E. G. White Diary and Letter Material
3MR 392.1
Stockholm, Sabbath, June 25, 1887—I went to the early morning meeting and spoke from John 13:34, 35. We had a precious season. Many excellent testimonies were borne and all seemed to feel deeply. Many tears were shed, showing that hearts were softened. One brother lives quite a distance from here. He lives on the borders of Denmark. He has lived in America; received the truth in Indianapolis and has come back to Sweden to labor with his countrymen. He is a very plain, unlearned man. He has not buried his talent but used it to the very best of his ability, and he has worked in a silent way until he has been the means of bringing eighteen to the truth. He is sincere and humble and the Lord blesses him.Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
Love the Fulfilling of the Law
21MR 411.4
It is the greatest and most fatal deception to suppose that a man can have faith unto life eternal without possessing Christlike love for his brethren. He who loves God and his neighbor is filled with light and love. God is in him and all around him. Christians love those around them as precious souls for whom Christ has died. There is no such thing as a loveless Christian, for “God is love.” [1 John 2:3-5, 8-11; John 13:34, 35; 5:12, quoted.]—Manuscript 133, 1899.Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1595—Words of Instruction Regarding Camp Meetings, Soul Winning, and Truth-filled Books
21MR 443.1
Christ declared, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34, 35). This is the love church members are to manifest for one another. Such love will exert a powerful influence in favor of the truth. Christ desires to work through His appointed agencies to make His cause a power in our world. He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:13-15).Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
Excerpts from the E. G. White Diary
2MR 124.1
“Are you not forgetful of the sufferings of your Lord? Are you not forgetful of the estimate He has placed upon man whom He has purchased with His own blood? You seem willing to wound and bruise the hearts of one another. Is this the pattern Jesus has given you? Where is His manner of dealing? Do you find yourselves sustained in having so little love and forbearance, so little patience for your brethren? Have you forgotten the words of Christ, ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another’? [John 13:34, 35.] [John 14:21, quoted.]Our High Calling
The Golden Chain of Love, June 16
OHC 173.1
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34, 35.Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2
Chapter 10—Trials and Victories
2SG 59.2
Luke 1:20; John 16:15; Acts 2:4; 4:29-31; Matthew 7:6-12, 15; 24:24; Colossians 2:6-8; Hebrews 10:35-39; 4:10-12; Philippians 1:6, 27-29; 2:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-18; 4:32; 1 Peter 1:22; John 13:34, 35; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 3:10-13; Acts 20:28-30; Galatians 1:6-9; Luke 12:3-7; 4:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17, 18; 1 Peter 1:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 3:8; Mark 16:17, 18; John 9:20-27; 14:13-15; 15:7, 8; Mark 1:23-25; Romans 8:38, 39; Revelation 3:7-13; 14:4, 5; Philippians 3:20; James 5:7, 8; Philippians 3:21; Revelation 14:14-17; Hebrews 4:9; Revelation 21:2; 14:1; 22:1-5.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
A High Standard
8T 164.3
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. Just before He left His disciples to return to heaven, Christ declared: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Here we see the standard lifted higher and still higher. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34, 35. The disciples could not then comprehend Christ’s words; but after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension they understood His love as never before. They had seen it expressed in His suffering in the garden, in the judgment hall, and in His death on the cross of Calvary.That I May Know Him
Oneness With Christ and the Father, June 16
TMK 173.4
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34, 35). Satan understands the power of such a testimony as a witness to the world of what grace can do in transforming character. He is not pleased that such a light shall shine forth from those who claim to believe in Jesus Christ, and he will work every conceivable device to break this golden chain which links heart to heart of those who believe the truth and binds them up in close connection with the Father and the Son....Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
A Severe Trial
The Fifty Texts Luke 1:20
John 16:15
Acts 2:4
Acts 4:29, 30
Acts 4:31
Matthew 7:6
Matthew 7:7-12
Matthew 7:15
Matthew 24:24
Colossians 2:6, 7
Colossians 2:8
Hebrews 10:35-37
Hebrews 10:38, 39
Hebrews 4:10, 11
Hebrews 4:12
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:27-29Philippians 2:13-15
Ephesians 6:10-13
Ephesians 6:14-18
Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 1:22
John 13:34, 35
2 Corinthians 13:5
1 Corinthians 3:10, 11
1 Corinthians 3:12, 13
Acts 20:28-30
Galatians 1:6-9
Luke 12:3-7
Luke 4:10, 11
2 Corinthians 4:6-9
2 Corinthians 4:17, 18
1 Peter 1:5-7
1 Thessalonians 3:8Mark 16:17, 18
John 9:20-27
John 14:13-15
John 15:7, 8
Mark 1:23-25
Romans 8:38, 39
Revelation 3:7-13
Revelation 14:4, 5
Philippians 3:20
James 5:7, 8
Philippians 3:21
Revelation 14:14-17
Hebrews 4:9
Revelation 21:2
Revelation 14:1
Revelation 22:1-5
This Day With God
Love Fulfills the Law, December 22
TDG 365.2
The attribute that Christ appreciates most in man is charity (love) out of a pure heart. This is the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. “Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (1 John 4:7). The Lord Jesus has said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34, 35).Ye Shall Receive Power
Long-suffering, March 6
YRP 74.2
The Captain of our salvation made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, in order that humanity might be allied to divinity. Man is to represent Christ. He is to be long-suffering toward his fellow men, to be patient, forgiving, and full of Christlike love. He who is truly converted will manifest respect for his brethren; he will do as Christ has commanded. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34, 35). Where the love of Christ abounds in the soul, there will be an expression of that love that will be understood by the world....Letters to Physicians and Ministers
A High Standard
SpTB01 11.1
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. Just before He left His disciples to return to heaven, Christ declared, “A new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Here we see the standard lifted higher and still higher. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34, 35. The disciples could not then comprehend Christ’s words, but after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, they understood His love as never before. They had seen it expressed in His suffering in the garden, in the judgment-hall, and in His death on the cross of Calvary.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 19—Distressing Experiences of 1888
1888 178.2
In my feebleness I entreated that Satan should not have any place and should not exult over the people who have had so great light and so great opportunities and privileges. I implored our people in Battle Creek to cherish tenderness, kindness, and esteem for one another, to close the door to the enemy, and to cultivate that love that Jesus has manifested toward the erring children of men. He gave His own life that they should not perish, but have everlasting life. He gave His disciples His dying testimony, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34, 35.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Put Away Differences; Love One Another; Proclaim the Truth
1888 1124.1
God so loved the world that He manifested His love by giving His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus said: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” [John 13:34, 35]. “This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” [John 15:12]. Let your zeal be manifest, not in exposing your variances but in cultivating the precious plant of love, just as Jesus has told us to do.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 82, 1898
2SAT 119.1
The religion of Jesus Christ can only bless when it works and influences as the leaven works the meal. Says the apostle: [Philippians 2:1-5; Colossians 3:12-16; Romans 12:3-10; 15:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 12:16; Galatians 5:22-26, quoted]. The apostle James in writing of this, says: [James 3:13-18, quoted]. And Christ declares: [John 15:8-14; 13:34, 35, quoted].The Southern Watchman
February 2, 1904
SW February 2, 1904, Art. A, par. 14
It is not the opposition of the world that endangers us the most; it is the evil cherished in the hearts of professed believers that works our most grievous disaster, and retards most the progress of God’s cause. There is no surer way of weakening our spirituality than by being envious, suspicious of one another, full of fault-finding and evil-surmising. “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Let all professed Christians work out this science, to love one another as Christ has told us. John 13:34, 35.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 13:18-30
From Heaven With Love
The Reasons for Celebrating the Lord’s Supper
HLv 443.1
But the Communion service was not to be a season of sorrowing. As the Lord’s disciples gather about His table, they are not to lament their shortcomings. They are not to recall differences between them and their brethren. The preparatory service has embraced all this. Now they come to meet with Christ. They are not to stand in the shadow of the cross, but in its saving light. They are to open the soul to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. They are to hear His words, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27.HLv 443.3
The Communion service points to Christ’s second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the mind. “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26.HLv 444.1
Our Lord has said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you... . For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” John 6:53-55. To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body; the water we drink, of His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf; it is reflected in every water spring. The light shining from that Communion service makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament.HLv 444.2
Of our spiritual nature Jesus declares, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” By receiving His word, by doing those things which He has commanded, we become one with Him. “He that eateth My flesh,” He says, “and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” John 6:54, 56, 57. As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ. Every Communion service forms a living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ, and thus with the Father.