Showing people Jesus by our actions. John 13:31-35

John 13:31-35     Gospel reading for Sunday May 2nd 2010

Three things immediately come to mind for me here:

1.  First of all some of you may recall a song that "phantom song" of the old Altogether Now green book, song 91, which mysteriously never appeared in the book for "copyright reasons". However it has been variously played and sung despite that. Some words from the song as I remember them include ...

And they'll know we are Christians

By our love, by our love,

Yes, they'll know we are Christians

By our love.

and there is another song in that same book too, that has words ...

By this will all men (people) know that you are my disciples

If you have love, one for another

2. Then there are the famous words often attributed to St Francis of Assisi:

"Preach the Gospel at all times and if absolutely necessary use words."

 
3. Finally, consider the concept that ...

"You may well be the only copy of the Bible that some people will ever see" (anon.)

 
I believe that there are massive implications coming out of this reading, which surely reinforces for us as leaders, the importance of modelling, setting an example and the business of showing people Jesus by our actions!
 
I came across some insightful commentary from Duane Olson (see p5 of doc.) He suggests that verses 34 and 35 need to be read together. We first need to be able to show (model) love to each other in our own inner-circle staff community. The love that exists within, becomes an integral part of our ability to witness effectively to our extended school community.

May God's Spirit continue to work in us this week and help us to find new ways as leaders to show people Jesus, starting within our own staff community to demonstrate real love, care and concern for those around us. Perhaps we could start this week by choosing 2 or 3 people who maybe we have taken for granted and then let them know how much we appreciate them and what they are doing.

Nev