Our scripture this morning is John 15:12-14 (NLT).
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
In John chapters 13-17 Jesus gives His disciples the instructions they will need to carry on His ministry. They still don’t understand all that will happen but Jesus reminds them of what is most important: “Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” Loving God and each other is what He has taught all along.
However, as part of what He is about to do for us, He adds “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This is His example, obedient unto death because of His love for God and us. He calls us to be ready to do the same if necessary. Many of His disciples and early followers were martyrs for their faith.
While we may not face daily oppression and the risk of death for sharing the Good News, there are still places where it is dangerous to be a follower of Jesus. Many today take that risk just as His disciples did after His Resurrection and Ascension. The Gospel goes out into the world in spite of all the resistance and hate that still exists.
Heavenly Father, through the gift of Your Son we can be saved from sin and death to eternal life with You. As we remember His sacrifice for us today, make us strong in our faith to share Your love with the world. Amen.
