John’s version of the greatest commandment goes beyond Matthew and Mark in expounding on what it means to love God and others as God loves us. Jesus simplifies and intensifies the law: all of God’s laws are meant to be motivated by love, not by a sense of obligation. Jesus shows this love on the cross. His use of friendship is also important. In the ancient world, friendship was taken seriously. Putting another’s needs equal to one’s own implies

Jesus is looking for companions in his mission, not servants.