Introduction

The hymn “Love One Another,” comes from John 13:34-35. Jesus spoke these words at the Last Supper. This lesson will discuss this commandment and other things Jesus said and did during this meeting with his Apostles. The Savior’s words and actions during the Last Supper showed his love for his Apostles and for us. Jesus wants us to follow his example in loving and serving others.

Jesus instituted the sacrament.

Luke 22:7-30 describes the Passover meal, shared by Jesus and his Apostles the day before Jesus was crucified, is often called the Last Supper.

Luke 22:19-20 When Jesus and his Apostles met to eat the Passover meal, Jesus introduced the ordinance of the sacrament. He told the Apostles the purpose of the sacrament—to be a remembrance of him and his atoning sacrifice.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “Since that upper room experience on the eve of Gethsemane and Golgotha, children of the promise have been under covenant to remember Christ’s sacrifice in this newer, higher, more holy and personal way. … If remembering is the principal task before us, what might come to our memory when those plain and precious emblems are offered to us?” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67, 68).

Elder Holland answered his own question, including some of the following things as suggestions that we should remember about the Savior (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68-69):

His love and strength in the Grand Council of Heaven.
That he is the Creator of heaven and earth.
All that he did in his premortal life as Jehovah.
The simple grandeur of his birth.
His teachings.
His miracles and healings.
That “all things which are good cometh of Christ” (Moroni 7:24).
The unkind treatment, rejection, and injustice he endured.
That he descended below all things in order to rise above them.
That he made his sacrifices and endured his sorrows for each of us.

It is important that we take the sacrament each week and equally important that we prepare ourselves spiritually before partaking of the sacrament to renew our covenants.

Luke 22:24 (see also Matt. 18:1; Luke 9:46) At the Last Supper the Apostles again contended about “which of them should be accounted the greatest”. Think about ways in which we sometimes wish to be considered greater than someone else—and how we may overcome these feelings.

Luke 22:25-27; Matt. 20:25-28 record what the Lord taught about true greatness. He himself exemplified this teaching, so we have his example to guide us in our actions.

Taking upon us the name of Christ

The following answers are adapted from a talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks in the April 1985 general conference (Ensign, May 1985, 80-83) while discussing the following questions:

When do we take upon ourselves the name of Christ?

When we are baptized into his Church (2 Nephi 31:13; Mosiah 25:23; Moroni 6:3; D&C 18:22-25; D&C 20:37.
When we renew our baptismal covenants by partaking of the sacrament (Moroni 4:3; Moroni 5:2; D&C 20:77; D&C 20:79).
When we proclaim our belief in him.
When we take upon ourselves the authority to act in his name and exercise that authority.
When we participate in the sacred ordinances of the temple.

What do we promise when we take upon ourselves the name of Christ?

We signify our willingness to do the work of his kingdom and our determination to serve him to the end (D&C 20:37; Moroni 6:3).
We promise to follow him with real intent, obeying him and repenting of our sins (2 Nephi 31:13; Mosiah 5:8).

Jesus Christ promises us, when we take upon us his name, that we become his sons and daughters, bearing his name. Those who are called by his name at the last day will be exalted; (see Mosiah 5:7-9; Mosiah 15:12; Alma 5:14; 3 Nephi 27:5-6; D&C 76:55, 58, 62.).

After washing their feet, Jesus commanded the Apostles to love one another.

John 13:4-5 When Jesus and his Apostles had eaten the Last Supper, Jesus washed each of the Apostles’ feet. This task was usually performed by a servant when a guest arrived. One reason Jesus did this was to teach his Apostles about humility and service.

John 13:6, 8 Simon Peter objected when Jesus began to wash his feet. He felt it was not right for the Lord to act as a servant.

John 13:8 Jesus responded that this was necessary if Peter wished to have part with him. The same is true for us. Unless we are cleansed by the Savior, we cannot join him in his kingdom.

John 13:12-17 Jesus told the Apostles that they should follow his example of service.

From Jesus’ words and actions, we can learn the qualities of good leaders. Then, as we serve in positions of leadership, we can follow his example.

John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17 During the Last Supper, Jesus repeatedly told his disciples to love one another.

To apply his teachings, think of some specific things you can do to follow Christ’s example of love.

Jesus taught, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” and “I am the true vine.”

John 14:4-5 shows that Thomas was concerned when Jesus told the Apostles, “Whither I go ye know, and the way ye know”.

John 14:6 Here, Jesus told Thomas: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus is the only way by which we can come unto Heavenly Father.

John 14:15 Jesus taught his disciples to show their love for others through service. He told them to show their love for him by keeping his commandments. Our obedience demonstrates our love for the Lord.

John 15:1-8 As he taught his Apostles, Jesus used the symbol of a vine. Christ is symbolized by the vine. As He taught, his Father is the husbandman (gardener); and his disciples are the branches.

As you ponder this symbolism, consider what happens to a leaf or branch that is cut off from the rest of the plant. Your relationship to the Savior is much like the relationship of a leaf or branch to the main body of the plant.

John 15:2 In the Savior’s comparison, the gardener takes away the branches of the vine that do not bear fruit. He purges the branches that do bear fruit. Purgeth means purifies; see John 15, footnote 2c. Consider what application this might have for you.

John 15:5 Jesus taught, “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing”. Consider how you have found this to be true.

John 15:13 According to this verse, giving one’s life for another is one of the greatest demonstrations of love. This confirms the Savior’s love for us.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ loves us and wants us to love and serve one another. Remember Christ’s Atonement and his love for us during the sacrament each week.