I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” — John 13:34–35. The Latin word Mandatum is interpreted as a mandate or command. In the upper room discourses found in John, Chapter 13–17, Jesus shares with his disciples and those who would come after the important tenets and qualities in order to experience a free and rich spiritual life.

In these chapters in John, he also spoke intimately and purposefully to the disciples and to those who would follow, including those who would ascribe to his teachings, his words and apply them in their lives (Like you and me). Jesus gave what could be looked at as his most sincere and urgent lessons at this time; since his time in physical form would soon end. 

Specifically, the spotlight is on Jesus’ words—according to the author of John—found in John 13: 34–35 and John 17: 20–23 in the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For instance, in the feet washing activity in John 13, Jesus is demonstrating to the disciples not too think they are above humble service to others. Feet in those days were usually dirty and washed not by masters but by servants.

In Jesus time, they wore sandals and walked on dusty paths and terrain. Jesus is acting lowly and reiterating a Truth to serve in love, giving to ‘one another.’ No one is too great and lofty to serve and show love and do kind and seemingly lowly acts.

How are we to accomplish this we might ponder? John 17 tells us how and where we find the balance and desire to serve, love and respect not only ourselves, but others. We respond to life and to the work speaking to us in a state of Oneness. Throughout Jesus’ Teachings and profoundly in the parting words to each and all of us in John, Chapters 13 and 17, Jesus tells how to live our holiness and love and serve others. 

We are to go within in the silence, in prayer and contemplative moments; we are to let the divine grace indwelling bestow to us our Oneness with God, also called Divine Spirit in us and everywhere present. 

Yet we live in it, move from it, and have our being in a oneness relationship with the divine Presence. Genesis 1:27 spells it out–we are created in the image and after the likeness of God. We are good and made of radiant substance. Jesus words likewise tell us in John 17:23 “I in them and you in me…”

We find the strength and have the inner creative force and ability to love one another and to serve others with compassion and honor. The treasures of the Kingdom already reside within us. For the blessings of God and the way-shower Jesus are inherent and upon us. Enjoy your Maundy Thursday and the entire Easter holiday.