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      "The Litmus Test for Discipleship"
      John 13:31-38
      Theme: Being conformed to the way that Jesus Christ loves is the definitive proof of following Him.

        1. The Satisfaction in Discipleship – 13:31-33

          1. The Affirmation of the Glory in the Gospel – vv. 31-32

            1. Having dismissed Judas, Jesus now has the opportunity to address the disciples who sincerely followed Him – the comments in this section immediately follow the institution of the Lord’s Supper in the synoptics.
            2. "Therefore when [Judas] had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him’;" - the fulfillment of God’s Word in the work of the Traitor brought a sense of genuine worship on the part of the Messiah; God was being glorified in the fulfillment of Scripture even as He spoke.
            3. With each fulfillment, there was a further substantiation of the fact that the promises of God would be fulfilled – cp. Acts 2:25-28, 31
            4. He continues in His worship of God and the expression of confidence in the way that God would glorify Himself throughout the sacrificial work of Christ – "if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately."
              1. Essentially, Jesus states that this fulfillment is only the beginning – that God will glorify Himself by assuring that every one of the prophecies will be fulfilled.
              2. This addresses the fact of the vicarious shedding of blood in death, the burial, and the glorious resurrection from the dead – triumphant over sin.
            5. It is this reality that God not only faithfully fulfilled His promises to His Son regarding the mission of redemption, but will likewise fulfill His promises to those who are saved that keeps disciples clinging to Him by faith.
            6. It is thus the observation of God’s faithfulness to Christ and the confidence of God’s faithfulness to them in Christ that brings the greatest satisfaction to the disciples of Jesus Christ.

          2. The Assurance of the Guidance in the Gospel– v. 33

            1. Jesus then uses a phrase that is only used here among all the Gospels – a term of endearment reserved for His followers after Judas is gone – "Little children"
            2. He indicates that His time with them is very short – "I am with you a little while longer."
            3. He then indicates that they will turn to Him for guidance and desire to follow Him – as a mark of a true disciple: "You will seek Me."
            4. However, Jesus is going to the cross to die vicariously for the sins of men – something that they are not qualified to do – it is something that only He qualifies to do – "and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’."
            5. In a few very brief verses, Jesus assures them that He will not leave them without guidance – He will provide the Holy Spirit; however, there will be a time when they are greatly confused and will actually scatter – cp. Mark 14:27-29
            6. However, the disciples as they face their great trial should take note of His example – to rest in their confidence in God’s faithfulness to His Word and those who trust in His Word – cp. Psalm 37:3-5

        2. The Substantiation of Discipleship – 13:34-35

          1. The Standard of Measurement – v. 34

            1. The idea of loving one’s neighbor was a old commandment given to God’s people early in the Old Testament – cp. Leviticus 19:18
            2. However, because of His work in reconciling men to God, Jesus identifies this commandment as "new" – "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another ..."
              1. It is new in the sense that now that love has been manifest in all its glory through the work of Christ – they have a new comprehension of the commandment – "… even as I have loved you."
              2. It is new in the sense that now they have the Holy Spirit who would reside in them – they have a new capacity to fulfill the commandment – "… that you also love one another."
            3. Thus, there is a supernatural standard that ought to characterize our love for one another – clearly exceeding anything that unbelievers are familiar with.

          2. The Scrutiny by Men – v. 35

            1. Jesus thus indicates that it is the practical demonstration of the selflessness of Christ Jesus in relating to others that will be the greatest verification of a person’s relationship with Christ.
            2. He states: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
            3. It is interesting that Jesus identifies that this essentially how He wants His followers to be identified – He is not ashamed of the product of the Gospel.
            4. Thus, it is not knowledge of Scripture, orthodoxy, or even service that provides the identification of discipleship, but rather the genuine, deep-seated, constant, and self-sacrificing love for one another that serves as the distinguishing trait of the believer.

        3. The Struggle in Discipleship – 13:36-38

          1. The Obligation to Follow One Step at a Time – v. 36

            1. Peter demonstrates how many disciples react – we are not as interested in what Jesus’ priorities are for us as we are in satisfying our own priorities – "Simon Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, where are You going’?"
            2. Despite the clear statements of Jesus regarding His death, and his statement that the disciples cannot follow where He is going, Peter still hasn’t understood it.
            3. Jesus responds by stating that "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now" – the death Christ was about to die was unique and therefore had to be alone.
            4. However, there would come a day when Peter would also follow Jesus to a cross – "but you will follow later." - cp. John 21:18-19.
            5. Peter was called on to follow Christ one step at a time – being willing to do whatever He was asked whenever he was asked to do it.

          2. The Overestimation of Our Faithfulness – vv. 37-38

            1. However, Peter’s appraisal of his readiness was a bit over-optimistic – "Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You’."
              1. He was proud in his attainment over the other disciples in faithfulness – cp. Mark 14:29
              2. He was self-reliant as evidenced by his arguing with Jesus and the repetitive claim – Mark 14:31
            2. Instead of understanding the necessary growth needed, Peter felt that he was all that he could be – when in reality he was in great need to strength.
            3. Jesus, knowing how weak Peter was, responds: "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times."
            4. The crowing of the rooster was in itself an act of grace – it would bring Peter’s failure into focus and trigger repentance.

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