Intentional and Impartial Love: Jesus' Greatest Commandment
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone, to part two of our sermon series, "Love God, Love People." Today, we delve deeper into the greatest commandment given by Jesus, which is to love one another as He has loved us. This commandment is found in John 13:34-35, where Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." This commandment is simple yet profound, and it challenges us to love others intentionally and impartially, just as Jesus did.
We often find it easy to love those who are like us, who share our interests and values. However, Jesus calls us to love those who are different, those we might consider outcasts. This is not always easy, but it is essential. I shared a personal story about two couples in my life who were different from me, yet I chose to love them unconditionally. This love changed things; it brought them closer to the church and to God. Love has the power to transform, while judgment pushes people away.
In our daily lives, we encounter people who are broken, hurt, and lost. Jesus' example teaches us to love these individuals without judgment. I shared a story about a young man who felt he had lost his passion for ministry. His friend advised him to "try church," emphasizing that sometimes all God asks of us is to try. This simple act of trying can lead to profound changes in our lives and the lives of others.
We also discussed the importance of prayer and trusting God, even when His actions don't align with our expectations. God is always acting on our behalf, and we must place our trust in Him. This trust is a form of love, acknowledging that God knows what is best for us.
Jesus' love was intentional and impartial. He loved people regardless of their social status, race, or past mistakes. We looked at two stories from the Bible that illustrate this: the Samaritan woman at the well and Zacchaeus, the tax collector. Both were outcasts, yet Jesus chose to engage with them, showing them love and compassion.
The story of the Samaritan woman, found in John 4:1-26, highlights Jesus' intentionality. He chose to travel through Samaria, a place Jews typically avoided, to meet this woman. Despite cultural norms, He engaged in a deep, meaningful conversation with her, revealing His identity as the Messiah. This encounter transformed her life and led her to share the good news with her community.
Similarly, the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-9 shows Jesus' impartiality. Zacchaeus was a despised tax collector, yet Jesus called him by name and chose to stay at his house. This act of love and acceptance led Zacchaeus to repent and change his ways, demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus' love.
In conclusion, loving others as Jesus loved us requires intentionality and impartiality. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and loving those who are different from us. It means seeing people through the eyes of Jesus and recognizing their worth. As we strive to love others in this way, we fulfill the greatest commandment and become true disciples of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Love is Transformative: Love has the power to change lives. When we choose to love others unconditionally, as Jesus did, we create an environment where transformation can occur. This love can bring people closer to God and to the church, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine relationships. [01:06:22]
2. Intentional Love: Jesus' love was intentional. He went out of His way to meet the Samaritan woman at the well, knowing she needed His love and acceptance. We must also be intentional in our love, seeking out those who are different from us and showing them the same love Jesus showed. [42:05]
3. Impartial Love: Jesus loved impartially, without regard for social status, race, or past mistakes. The story of Zacchaeus illustrates this beautifully. Despite being a despised tax collector, Jesus chose to stay at his house, showing him love and acceptance. We must strive to love others impartially, seeing them through the eyes of Jesus. [50:50]
4. Trust in God's Timing: Trusting God means believing that He is always acting on our behalf, even when His actions don't align with our expectations. This trust is a form of love, acknowledging that God knows what is best for us. We must place our trust in Him and allow His love to guide us. [23:06]
5. Loving Others Reflects Our Love for God: Our ability to love others is a reflection of our love for God. If we claim to love God but do not love others, our love is incomplete. Loving others as Jesus loved us is the greatest commandment, and it is through this love that we become true disciples of Christ. [55:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:52] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
[34:10] - The Greatest Commandment
[35:24] - Intentional and Impartial Love
[38:04] - Loving Difficult People
[39:41] - The Samaritan Woman at the Well
[49:27] - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
[55:20] - Loving Others Reflects Our Love for God
[01:01:41] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another."
2. John 4:1-26: The story of the Samaritan woman at the well.
3. Luke 19:1-9: The story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector.
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the new commandment that Jesus gives in John 13:34-35?
2. How did Jesus show intentionality in His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well? ([42:05])
3. What was Zacchaeus' reaction when Jesus called him by name and chose to stay at his house? ([50:50])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of loving others intentionally and impartially? ([36:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized loving one another as He has loved us in John 13:34-35? How does this commandment challenge our usual way of loving others?
2. In the story of the Samaritan woman, why was it significant that Jesus chose to travel through Samaria and engage with her? ([42:05])
3. How does Zacchaeus' transformation after his encounter with Jesus illustrate the power of impartial love? ([50:50])
4. The sermon mentioned that trusting God’s timing is a form of love. How does this trust reflect our relationship with God? ([23:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Think of someone in your life who is different from you or whom you find difficult to love. What specific steps can you take this week to show them intentional and impartial love? ([38:04])
2. Reflect on a time when you judged someone instead of showing them love. How did that affect your relationship with them? What can you do differently next time? ([01:06:22])
3. Jesus' love was transformative for both the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus. How can you create an environment of transformation through your actions and words in your community? ([49:27])
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of trusting God even when His actions don’t align with our expectations. Is there a situation in your life where you need to place more trust in God? How can you practice this trust daily? ([23:06])
5. How can you be more intentional in your daily interactions to reflect Jesus' love? Identify one specific action you can take this week to be more intentional in loving others. ([36:06])
6. The pastor shared a story about a young man who was advised to "try church" to rekindle his passion. Is there an area in your life where you need to "try" again? What steps will you take to do so? ([01:09:35])
7. How can you ensure that your love for others is a true reflection of your love for God? What changes might you need to make in your attitude or behavior to align more closely with Jesus' commandment? ([55:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Love Transforms Lives
Love has the power to change lives. When we choose to love others unconditionally, as Jesus did, we create an environment where transformation can occur. This love can bring people closer to God and to the church, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine relationships. Love is not just a feeling but an action that can lead to profound changes in the lives of those we encounter. By loving others, we reflect the love of Christ and become instruments of His grace and mercy.
In our daily interactions, we have the opportunity to demonstrate this transformative love. Whether it's through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need, our actions can make a significant impact. Love is a powerful force that can heal wounds, mend broken relationships, and bring hope to the hopeless. As we strive to love others as Jesus loved us, we become agents of change in a world that desperately needs His love. [01:06:22]
1 John 4:12 (ESV): "No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling or in need of love. How can you show them the transformative love of Christ today?
Day 2: Intentional Love
Jesus' love was intentional. He went out of His way to meet the Samaritan woman at the well, knowing she needed His love and acceptance. We must also be intentional in our love, seeking out those who are different from us and showing them the same love Jesus showed. Intentional love requires us to step out of our comfort zones and actively look for opportunities to love others, especially those who may be marginalized or overlooked by society.
Intentional love means making a conscious effort to connect with people who are different from us, whether in terms of background, beliefs, or circumstances. It involves listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and offering support and encouragement. By being intentional in our love, we can break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and compassion. This kind of love reflects the heart of Jesus and demonstrates His love to a world in need. [42:05]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is different from you. How can you intentionally show them love and acceptance this week?
Day 3: Impartial Love
Jesus loved impartially, without regard for social status, race, or past mistakes. The story of Zacchaeus illustrates this beautifully. Despite being a despised tax collector, Jesus chose to stay at his house, showing him love and acceptance. We must strive to love others impartially, seeing them through the eyes of Jesus. Impartial love means treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Impartial love challenges us to look beyond our biases and prejudices and to see the inherent worth and value in every person. It calls us to extend grace and compassion to those who may be different from us or who have made mistakes. By loving impartially, we reflect the inclusive and unconditional love of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost. This kind of love has the power to break down walls of division and bring healing and reconciliation. [50:50]
James 2:1-4 (ESV): "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"
Reflection: Reflect on any biases or prejudices you may hold. How can you practice impartial love in your interactions with others this week?
Day 4: Trust in God's Timing
Trusting God means believing that He is always acting on our behalf, even when His actions don't align with our expectations. This trust is a form of love, acknowledging that God knows what is best for us. We must place our trust in Him and allow His love to guide us. Trusting in God's timing requires patience and faith, especially when we face challenges or uncertainties in life.
When we trust in God's timing, we recognize that His plans are higher than our own and that He is working all things together for our good. This trust allows us to surrender our worries and anxieties to Him, knowing that He is in control. It also enables us to wait with hope and confidence, even when we don't see immediate results. By trusting in God's timing, we demonstrate our love for Him and our reliance on His wisdom and sovereignty. [23:06]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing. How can you surrender this situation to Him and trust in His perfect plan?
Day 5: Loving Others Reflects Our Love for God
Our ability to love others is a reflection of our love for God. If we claim to love God but do not love others, our love is incomplete. Loving others as Jesus loved us is the greatest commandment, and it is through this love that we become true disciples of Christ. Our love for others is a tangible expression of our faith and devotion to God.
When we love others, we demonstrate the character of Christ and fulfill His commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is not limited to those who are easy to love but extends to everyone, including those who may be difficult or challenging. By loving others, we show that we are followers of Jesus and that His love is at work in our lives. This love is a powerful witness to the world and a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. [55:20]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationships with others. How can you better demonstrate your love for God through your love for those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Love changes things; judgment pushes away, but love changes. I don't want no kudos on my back. I just confessed how awkwardly it used to make me, but when I understood that moment when the Supreme Court made that ruling that ministry was about to look different in church, nothing else has changed. Society is going to continue to get worse and worse and worse. The scripture says it's going to. That's why we are to love God and love people." [01:06:22]
2. "It's easy to love people you like. It's easy to love people who like you, who have a lot of things in common like you. It's much more difficult to love people whom you have nothing in common with, who don't like you, can't stand the very existence of you being in the same room. And that's where this message hits home this morning." [38:04]
3. "If you look in the mirror and you don't love yourself, you cannot give that no matter how hard you try. And so many of us are trying to show love to people, and we're not doing very good at it. We're not feeling very successful, and the reason why is because we haven't looked in the mirror and saw us the way that God sees us." [58:28]
4. "It doesn't matter their social status, their marital status, their race, their gender. It doesn't matter. It doesn't even matter, listen to me, this might go a little bit against your theology, it doesn't matter what gender they claim to be. Let God take care of that. We know what the scripture says. We know the absolute truth. We don't need to wave that in their face. We're called to love them." [01:03:14]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus loved others intentionally and impartially throughout his ministry life, and today we're going to look at a couple stories in the Bible where Jesus did just that. So if you don't get anything from this message this morning, I want you to get this. It's easy to love people you like. It's easy to love people who like you, who have a lot of things in common like you. It's much more difficult to love people whom you have nothing in common with, who don't like you, can't stand the very existence of you being in the same room." [38:04]
2. "So whether you like it or not, church, Jesus wants us to be intentional and impartial about loving others. So we see this example in a couple different stories in the Bible, which just happen to be two of my most favorite, favorite stories. The first of which that we're going to learn about here right now is the woman at the well. And then we're going to learn about a guy named Zacchaeus." [38:56]
3. "Jesus did not. He was going from Judea to Galilee with his disciples, and he cuts through there, and he stops at this well called Jacob's Well. And he says, I'm tired. Anybody can understand that? He says, I'm tired. He sends his disciples on. He sits down, and lo and behold, who comes up? This Samaritan woman. And many scholars believe that her name is Hortia. We'll just refer to her as the Samaritan woman since we're familiar with that, but I always like to put a name to the face." [41:24]
4. "In the story of Zacchaeus, we get a first-hand look at just how powerful the love and the kindness of Jesus really is. And as I'm talking, I know that many of you are thinking back in the back of your mind about the day that Jesus saved you. And I think many of you are thinking about what state you were in when he saved you. Remember the story of the prodigal son? Decided to get like many of us, decided he was just gonna, he wanted to go out on his own, right? He wanted to venture out, take life by the horns. He spoiled all his money. He ended up eating from pigs." [56:52]
5. "So I've laid a story as to why this is really kind of a crazy thing, right? You ever been in one of those crazy situations? God's called you to step into and minister to someone, and you're like, I have no clue what's going on. This may sound weird. There was a story once. I didn't have time to share in the last service because I was wanting to get through. But I heard this story one time of a man and his wife. And she was pregnant. Can I hear an amen from all the guys?" [43:32]
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