Single lesson
A New Commandment: Love One Another
John 13:31–35
In this lesson, children learn Jesus’ new commandment in John 13:31–35. They will hear what Jesus said, notice why these words matter in this moment, and practise one clear way to show love to other believers.
Before you teach
In these verses, Jesus speaks after someone has gone out, and he tells his disciples that he will be with them only a little while longer. He then gives them a new commandment: love one another as he has loved them. He says this love will show that they are his disciples.
Students will be able to state Jesus’ command in John 13:34 and name one practical way believers can show love to one another.
Welcome: Hear the big idea
4 minBegin by introducing the lesson simply: Jesus gives his disciples a clear command. Ask the children to listen for what Jesus says his followers should do and how other people will recognise them. This prepares them to hear both the command and its purpose in the passage.
John 13:34, John 13:35
Read and explain: Jesus speaks before giving the command
7 minRead John 13:31–35 aloud. Explain that Jesus first speaks about glory. In these verses, the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. Then Jesus tenderly calls the disciples ‘little children’ and says he will be with them only a little while longer.
John 13:31, John 13:32, John 13:33
Discuss: What is the new commandment?
6 minFocus on verse 34. Jesus does not only say, ‘love one another’. He adds, ‘Just as I have loved you’. Help the children notice that the command is connected to Jesus’ own love for his disciples. Keep examples simple, such as kindness, sharing, helping, and welcoming others.
John 13:34
Make and respond: Reminder card
8 minInvite each child to choose a short part of the passage for a reminder card, such as ‘love one another’ or ‘By this everyone will know’. They decorate the card and write one realistic action they can do this week to show love to another Christian in home, church, or school settings.
John 13:34, John 13:35
Closing: Love shows whose disciples we are
5 minFinish by reviewing verse 35 together. Jesus says that love for one another shows that people are his disciples. Emphasise that this is not about wearing a label but about a visible pattern of love. End by inviting children to say their chosen action aloud if they wish.
John 13:35
Questions to explore
What command does Jesus give in verse 34?
Listen for the exact words Jesus says to his disciples and repeat them together: ‘love one another’.
John 13:34
How does Jesus say they should love one another?
Look for the comparison in the verse. Jesus says, ‘Just as I have loved you’, which connects their love to his example.
John 13:34
According to verse 35, what will people notice when Jesus’ disciples love one another?
The verse says that everyone will know they are Jesus’ disciples when they have love for one another.
John 13:35
Make, think or respond
Love One Another Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- card or paper
- pencils or pens
- coloured pencils or crayons
- Bible
Try it together
- Read John 13:34–35 again and choose a short phrase to copy onto a card.
- Write the phrase neatly, such as ‘Love one another’.
- Add one practical action on the back, such as ‘I will help someone at church’ or ‘I will speak kindly to another believer’.
- Decorate the card and place it somewhere visible at home.
The card helps children remember Jesus’ command to love one another and his words about how this shows his disciples.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, offer two short phrase choices to copy, and let them draw a picture of loving action instead of writing a full sentence.
- For older or more confident children, ask them to explain the link between Jesus’ love in verse 34 and the witness to others in verse 35.
An optional closing prayer
You may pray: ‘Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your disciples this command. Please help us love one another in ways that are kind, true, and visible. Help us show that we belong to you. Amen.’
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
John 13
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.
32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately.
33 Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you can’t come,’ so now I tell you.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.
Source passages
Something to make together
These activities connect with the passage. Choose one that suits your group and the time you have.
