This Christian Life

The Temple is Community

I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

John 13:34-35

Why would Jesus say this to his disciples? Why would he give them a /command/ to do this?

In Turkey we learned that during the time of Jesus, Roman citizens would build magnificent marble temples to their gods high on a hill for everyone to see. The temple became the icon or representation for how powerful and beautiful the god was.

So, when Jesus made this statement to his disciples, he wasn’t the first revolutionary in the hippy movement of ‘peace’ and ‘love.’ He was painting a picture of the kingdom of God by showing us that the community of believers—his people—are the temple of God. We are the representation of God’s beauty, power, and magnificent radiance. He chose US to be his temple.

And others know that it is true by our love. And, just like a physical temple, we each have a place in the temple. Some of us are set up high like pieces of a column where all can see. Some of us have a place where we are cut perfectly for the floor. But we all have a place.

Simply amazing to think about on this valentine’s day. Our love as a christian community is what sets us apart from other religions, movements, and communities of people.

Jesus is the perfect example for us to follow. When we are unsure how to love each other, we should look to him. We have a responsibility to love each other if we claim to be part of his community. Are we doing the job?