Page 61 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

“One of the most powerful chapters in all literature describes the highest level of motivation.

That is not hyperbole. It is truly the most powerful chapter written. It records Jesus describing why He
got up every day.

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of
Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For
the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater
works than these, that you may marvel… I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment
is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:19-20,
30 NKJV).

What got Jesus out of bed every day of His life was to do the will of the Father. He was totally motivated
by love for His Father and His desire to please Him. It was that love and desire to please the Father that
filled His being with love for the human race and His desire to heal, reconcile and restore mankind to
God’s original design.

His entire life was motivated by authentic self-sacrificing love.

It is challenging to imagine such a life.

Yet, that is to be the distinguishing mark of every true follower of Jesus Christ. “By this all will know that
you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJV).

Jesus gave an eleventh commandment, which was not really a new command but an extension of the
commandment given in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as “The Shema.” “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God,
the Lord is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your
strength.”

When asked by a Pharisee, a lawyer, which is the greatest commandment, Jesus answered with “The
Shema” then said, “This is the first and the great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall
love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets”
(Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV).

Jesus’ new command to His disciples was simply an extension of these two commandments. “A new
commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one
another” (John 13:34 NKJV).

That is to be the motive of our life. The enemy of your soul is ever challenging; seeking to misdirect,
discourage and distort the motive of your life. He will send offenses your way in an effort to discourage
your heart of love through distrust. He will bring difficult people around you who will question your
motive and will seek to distort your motive. The cares of life, traumatic experiences, or health issues can
misdirect ones motives.

The Holy Spirit will always be at work seeking to keep your heart focused upon the highest motive of
life; loving God with all your heart and loving others as Jesus Christ loves you. How do you maintain the

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