Among some of Jesus’ final instructions for his disciples included a new command: to love one another, as he loved them. Now that second part really ups the ante for what they’re being called to. 

Love like Jesus loved, which if that was ever unclear, he spells out later in this book, greater love hath none than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. And Jesus gives us further insight into how we can fulfill this when he responds to Peter’s enthusiastic inquiry to follow him. 

In John 13:38, Jesus says “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” At this point, Peter is so focussed on himself, how he can help Christ. But in doing so, he not only misunderstands this message, but his actions demonstrate why Jesus needed to go away. 

Because apart from Christ sending us the Holy Spirit we aren’t capable of loving like Jesus loved. Apart from Jesus going to the cross and laying down his life for us, we don’t have the capacity of laying down our lives for others. Remember, it’s never about what you can do for God, and everything about what He can do through you.