John 15:13
13 The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends.
We always see it in the movies – one person jumps in front of their friend just as the bullet would hit them. It is even featured in the media as the best way to show your love to someone: to sacrifice yourself for their lives – that is featured page kind of stuff.
In the text, Jesus is teaching His disciples that they must love one another – just as He loves them. They did not know yet, but Jesus would give up his life for them and for us in the end. Jesus’ death on the cross means that we can live in the freedom of God, because Jesus rose again.
Is it possible for us to love our friends this much? I do not think we will all be able to answer that question honestly with ‘yes’ – but I hope we can all imitate Jesus enough to get to that point. Jesus proves His love for us without expecting anything in return. Let’s learn from this love and show it to the people around us – in this way we can only become better friends with those around us.
Jesus is the best example of friendship.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving me so much that you sent Jesus to show your love for me. Please help me to show the love you first showed me to others and to be a good friend to others as well… Amen.
Challenge: Over the weekend, go and read the whole passage where Jesus talks to his disciples about love – John 15: 12-17
