Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 15:13

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13 (ASV)

Jesus repeats his command to “love each other” (cf. 13:34) because he knows that the future of the disciples’ work among others depends on their attitude toward one another. His stress on love had been underscored earlier in this discourse (14:15, 21, 23, 28). Unity instead of rivalry, trust instead of suspicion, and obedience instead of self-assertion must rule the disciples’ common labors. The measure of their love for one another is his love for them (cf. 13:34), which would soon be demonstrated by his forthcoming sacrifice (see also 1Jn 3:16).