Sunday Evening Services
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a review of John 13, where Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, washed the disciples’ feet, and gave them a new commandment to love one another as a defining mark of his disciples. The teacher highlighted how this love would become the badge that identifies believers to the world. He then shifted to a theological overview of the three primary Greek words for love—eros (sensual love), storge (familial love), and philia (friendship love)—illustrating each with biblical examples such as the Song of Solomon, Moses’ marriage instruction, and Jesus’ conversation with Peter. After examining these “string‑attached” loves, the teacher introduced agape, the unconditional, sacrificial love that God demonstrated on the cross and that the New Testament presents over 300 times. He explained that agape holds together the other forms of love, transforms relationships, and is the practical outworking of the new commandment. By emphasizing action‑driven love—patience, kindness, going the extra mile, even loving enemies—the class concluded that agape is the true mark of a disciple, a love that will be evident to all who encounter believers. The lesson wrapped up by pointing believers toward the comfort of the Holy Spirit, promised in John 14‑16, and encouraged them to let agape love be the visible evidence of their commitment to Christ.
Key Scriptures
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.