John 13:31-38 (NKJV) The New Commandment

31  So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32  If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33  Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I say to you. 34  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." 36  Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." 37  Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake." 38  Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

​Question to Consider:

1. What are some of the characteristics associated with the love Christ has for us?
2. What do you think the impact would be from a church who fulfilled the new commandment of loving one another with the love of Christ? 
3. Why do you think Jesus would choose "love" as the sign that identifies us as His disciples?

Judas left the Last Supper to fulfill his "deal" with the leaders of the Jews.  Knowing that Judas has betrayed Him, Jesus lets His disciples know that the time of His journey with them on earth has come to an end.
In light of what is about to happen Jesus gives them a significant commandment to follow.  Jesus demonstrated this new commandment by washing the feet of the disciples; now He fortified His actions with a clear directive.  v.34,35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you...by this all will know that you are My disciples."
We must never forget the significance that Jesus gave to this new commandment.  It is the "sign" that tells the world that we are disciples that belong to Jesus. 
Peter blew right past the significance of the new commandment and asked Jesus, "Lord, where are You going?"  Jesus tells Peter that where He is going Peter cannot follow Him.  Obviously, God had other plans for Peter to fulfill and dying with Jesus was not in-line with God's purposes.
Peter declares his intention of following Jesus, even if it means his own death.  It was a brave thought, and when the temple guard came to arrest Jesus, Peter did defend Jesus with a sword; but, later Peter would deny any relational connection to Jesus, just as Jesus prophesied. v.38.