John 13:31-35 – New Commandment? The Actual Hard Part? Remembering It.

Delivery Time: 29 minutes

Jesus Says Love One Another—Because Who Doesn’t Need a Little Extra Compassion? And if you’re running low, don’t worry, it’s not perishable—just keep sharing!


Section 1. Welcome and Announcements

Welcome to Worship

Good morning, dear church family!
What a joy it is to gather with you today—whether you’re here in person or joining us online. We’re not just a group of people who believe the same thing—we’re a spiritual family. And today, we get to come together, lift our hearts to God, and grow in the love that Jesus has so freely given us.

As we look at John 13:31-35 today, let’s open our hearts to what Jesus is still teaching us about love—love that changes us and love that reaches the world.

Church Announcements

Upcoming Events:

  • Wednesday Night Bible Study – Join us at 7 PM in the fellowship hall as we dive deeper into the Gospel of John.

  • Youth Retreat Registration – All middle and high school students are invited to sign up for the weekend retreat, June 7–9. Registration is open now at the Welcome Desk.

  • Community Service Day – Saturday, May 25th. We’ll meet at 9 AM to serve local families in need—food distribution, yard work, and home repairs.

Ongoing Opportunities:

  • Prayer Requests & Praise Reports – Fill out a card and drop it in the prayer box or submit it online.

  • Small Groups – Life is better in circles than rows. If you’re not in a small group yet, this is a great time to get connected.

  • Baptism Sunday – Coming June 16th! If you’ve made a decision to follow Christ and haven’t been baptized, let us celebrate that step with you!

Let’s lean in and listen with open hearts today. God has something special for each of us.


Section 2. Call to Worship

Turning Our Hearts Toward God

As we prepare to worship, let’s hear the words of Jesus in John 13:31-35.
This passage comes just after Judas leaves the room. In the quiet that follows, Jesus speaks words that echo through time: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Let these words call us back to the heart of God. Let them center us.

Responsive Reading:

  • Leader: When Jesus was glorified, He said:
    “A new command I give you: Love one another.”

  • Congregation: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

  • Leader: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…”

  • All Together: “…if you love one another.”

Let’s worship with that kind of love today—open, welcoming, and joyful.


Section 3. Opening Prayer

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for drawing us together in Your love today. Thank You for the gift of community and the promise of Your presence. As we enter into worship, calm our hearts and clear our minds. Help us to love like Jesus—boldly, freely, and unconditionally. Teach us what it means to be Your disciples—not just in word, but in action.

May today’s worship glorify You and transform us.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.


Section 4. Praise and Worship

Let’s Lift Our Voices

Now it’s time to worship through song!
Whether you love the hymns that have carried you through the years, or you’re drawn to the fresh sound of contemporary praise—this is your moment to lift your voice.

Let’s praise God with all our hearts! Our worship team is ready to lead, and you’re invited to join in with joyful voices and grateful hearts.

Sing loud. Sing free. Let your worship rise.


Section 5. Scripture Reading

Today’s Scripture

Our passage today comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 13, verses 31 through 35.
It’s a moment of deep teaching and tender truth. Jesus knows His time with the disciples is short. Judas has just left the room, and now Jesus turns to the others—His closest friends—and speaks of love, glory, and what it truly means to follow Him.

Let’s lean in to these words and allow them to shape our hearts.

Scripture Passage (NIV): John 13:31–35

31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.
32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”


Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory Prayer

Gracious Lord,
We come before You today with hearts that long to love like Jesus. In a world so full of noise and conflict, help us to be known by our love. Teach us to serve one another, forgive freely, and live out Your grace in our daily lives. For those among us who are hurting, grieving, or lonely—let Your love surround them.

We pray for our neighbors, our city, and our world. Help us to be lights in dark places and messengers of Your peace.

Congregational Prayer Response

All Together:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As You have loved us, Lord, so we will love one another.”


Section 7. Offering

A Moment of Worship through Giving

Giving is more than a transaction—it’s an act of worship.
When we give, we’re not just supporting a ministry—we’re honoring God with our trust. We’re saying, “Lord, You’re my provider. I trust You more than my bank account.” Your tithes and offerings go to build the Kingdom—right here in our community and around the world.

Prayer of Thanks

Father God,
Thank You for every good gift. Thank You for the opportunity to give back a portion of what You’ve entrusted to us. Use these gifts to bring hope, healing, and love to others. Multiply them for Your glory. And bless every cheerful giver today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Section 8. Special Music

A Special Time of Reflection

Now, as we prepare our hearts for the message, we turn to a moment of special music. This is more than just a performance—it’s a time of reflection, worship, and preparation. As the words are sung, let the message settle in your heart and open you up to what God is about to reveal through His Word.


Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools

We know that sermons go beyond Sunday mornings. To help you dive deeper, we’ve created a special resource package designed to help you apply this teaching in your daily life.


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Paid Content Section 9. Sermon

Sermon Title: “A New Command: Love Like Jesus”

Based on John 13:31-35 (NIV)


Free Bible Study: The One Command That Could Change Everything
(Most Christians Still Miss It)


What if the key to transforming your family, your church, and even your walk with God… hinged on just five verses? Discover the moment Jesus gave His most radical command—and why it still shakes the foundation of Christian living today.


Let me tell you about a woman named Grace.

She’d been a Sunday regular for over 30 years. Volunteered in the nursery. Baked casseroles. Gave when she could. A “good Christian” by every outside measure.

But deep inside… she felt disconnected.

From God.
From people.
From purpose.

One Sunday, her pastor preached from John 13:31-35. He read aloud Jesus’ words, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

The words hit her like a lightning bolt.

She realized she had loved from obligation, not from overflow. She had served out of duty—not delight. And when she went home, she wept. Not out of guilt… but awakening.

Something changed that day.

She started loving differently.
More freely.
More fully.
More like Jesus.

And something amazing happened in her small group, in her workplace, and in her family—relationships healed. People opened up. She became a lighthouse of grace… just by obeying this “new command.”


This Bible Study—this sermon—can do the same in your life or in your church. It’s more than a message… it’s a mirror into the heart of Christ.


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A Loving Word of Prayer

May the overflowing grace of Jesus cover your heart, your home, and your family during this sacred season of reflection. May His love be more than a thought—may it become your daily rhythm and joy.


Thank you for supporting this ministry. Whether you give or simply grow from this resource, you are deeply appreciated.
Let’s walk in His love—together.