New Commandment

"Half baked" - It is a way to describe either something that is not fully baked, or,  as it was and is used by some folks in the common market, "nuts" - as in no handle on the pail or out of one's mind.

The thoughts I share today are "half baked." Meaning, not fully baked, from my perspective, perhaps out of one's mind by others.

For quite some time I have struggled with the idea that Jesus' teachings can be characterized as commandments. Commandments in the sense that one might normally think about them with reference to the Ten Commandments or The Law. (I have written about this previously.)

Many Bible teachers have large lists outlining the commandments of Jesus. One teacher indicates that there are some 200 commandments of Christ. A list, he did not provide, but simply posited the statement.

Here is my struggle and I would welcome any insight or comments with regard to my observations.

My understanding, when reading the Gospels, is that Jesus taught his disciples a new way of living and giving of oneself.  If it could be summarized it would be this - "just as I have done" you do likewise.  He folds all of that into what he characterizes as a new commandment, "...That you love one another, just as I have loved you, you are to love one another (John 13:34)."

Now the idea of loving is not unique (new) to Christ, his disciples, or most communities or groups in NT times. What is new, is that they love just as Christ has loved, through total surrender, service and self sacrifice. In other words, be willing to give everything for one another. That is NEW.  "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends," puts it all in perspective.

Did Jesus abrogate the Ten Commandments? No, he fulfilled them completely. Did Jesus re-write what he did not like about God's previous commandments? No, he affirmed them and encouraged others to do the same. Did Jesus do anything other than fulfill the commands that the Father had given him? No.  However, as near as I can tell, the only commandment he gave his followers was this - "...Love one another, just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."   John 13:34-35

Just as Israel struggled with the whole of the Law, I truly expect that command of Christ is sufficient to challenge me for all my days. If I get that right, coupled with what Jesus affirmed as the two greatest commandments in the Law, than I shall have done well.

Having said all that, how do I reconcile such phrases as "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you..."; "if you love me keep my commandments", etc.  I do not have a specific reply other than to fall back on John 15:12, "This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you."

Father, I confess my inability to understand. I confess my struggle to love sacrificially, to love without condition. I yield my heart, by the power of you Spirit may I learn to do both without reservation.