A Different Way: A Different Covenant (John 13:34-35)

Covenants define our relationships—they set expectations, help us find clarity and identity, and create a way of life. Before Jesus, the old covenant set an expectation that those who wanted to be in relationship with God would keep the commandments, and that they would obey and be blessed in return. But Jesus’ new covenant was somehow simple and even more difficult than keeping all 613 of the old commandments—to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.