“I [Yeshua/Jesus] give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” John 13:34, TLV

Love One Another.  Just as Jesus loved us, we are to love others. Who is Yeshua? He is many amazing things. He is the Son of God. He is our salvation — it’s in His Name. He is the Word made flesh. Let’s pause here.

The Word made flesh. Whose Word? God His Father, of course. But, specifically which Words?

Those Words contained in the Bible written before the book of Matthew. Before any of the Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. Those words are what many call the “Old Testament”–the Law (Torah), Writings, and Prophets.

The Ancient of Days

The Ancient of Days (Daniel 7) was formed into flesh, for us. That still blows my mind. Then He embodied the Word, His Father’s Word for us, by living it out.

The promises, laws, history, miracles, insights, inspiration, wisdom, everything. Jesus showed us how to live the Word. But in a new way. Without the blood sacrifices, since He would be our blood sacrifices — our eternal atonement. He would fulfill them.

Why? He wanted our hearts to be committed to His Father. Yeshua showed us what that commitment looked like.

Follow the loving steps

So, did Jesus do away with the Law? Of course not. He fulfilled what we could not so that when we tried — and failed — our atonement was secure (Matthew 5:17).

Our obedience now springs from love and gratitude (Jeremiah 31:32). And this love is evidence to the world that Yeshua is who He said He is (John 13:35).

Our love for one another will be a compelling reason for others hungry for God’s love to seek Him. Our love for those who don’t know Him — and not mere tolerance, but His love — will be like salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), a sweet fragrance of Yeshua (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Is it easy? Nope. But, really, it is the least we can do after all He has done for us. Right?

Adapted from an April 2021 devotion.