Greater Love

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Scripture: John 15:13 (NIV)

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Devotion:         

            This verse is one of the most profound statements Jesus ever uttered. These words were spoken on the night before He went to the cross to show them how much He loved them. These words were spoken to prepare the disciples for His departure. This is not merely a theological statement. It is the heartbeat of the gospel spoken in the shadow of suffering. Jesus is not speaking mere words, but He is defining it by what He Himself is about to do.

            Jesus here speaks of His laying down of His life. He is not only speaking of His physical death, though He would still endure torture and death at the hands of men. Jesus is speaking of a love that gives without limit. This love can never be deserved. It is a love that gives, empties itself, a love that chooses to love others even at great cost. The disciples did not know this love, but they would soon see it nailed to a cruel Roman cross.

            This verse reveals something tender and amazing. Jesus calls His disciples friends! Not servants, followers, but friends. Friendship with Jesus is not casual or sentimental; it is covenantal. This love springs from Jesus’ initiative, sacrifice, and grace. He laid down His life not only to save us, but also to bring us near in a relationship so we could be truly His friends. His cross is not only the place where sin is defeated; it is the place where friendship with God is secured forever.

            For us today, this verse serves as both a comfort and a calling. It is comforting because it reminds us that the love of Christ is not easily broken or subject to any conditions. It is a love made secure by His blood, a love that never changes when we fail, and a love that holds us fast, especially when we feel unworthy. It is a love that has gone to enormous lengths to rescue and redeem us. We can add nothing to it, and nothing we do can diminish it.

            But this verse also calls us to demonstrate this love in our own lives. While we may never have to lose our lives, we are daily asked to lay down our pride, preferences, comforts, and self-centeredness for others. This sacrificial love is not only measured by heroic acts, but also by quiet acts of kindness, forgiveness, patience, and service. It can be seen in the choosing of reconciliation over resentment, generosity over stinginess, and compassion rather than indifference. If we are able to love in this way, we reflect the One who first loved us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the love we have in Jesus, who died to show us the way. Amen

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