As we reflect on the words of the apostle John, we are confronted with the ultimate expression of love – the sacrificial act of Jesus laying down his life for us. John’s words echo Jesus’ own words:
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
If ever we question Jesus’ love for us, we can look to the cross.
In the midst of a world that often confuses and distorts the meaning of love, the apostle John provides us with a clear and unwavering definition. “By this we know love,” he declares, “that he laid down his life for us.”
When we gaze upon the cross, we see the ultimate demonstration of love. The Son of God, the eternal Word, the King of kings, willingly laid down his life to redeem us. He freed us from the bondage of sin and death. He took upon himself the punishment we deserved, enduring the wrath of God so that we may be forgiven and reconciled to the Father. This is the love that defines us, the love that transforms us, and the love that compels us to respond in kind.
While we are all too familiar with love that is dependent on our performance or love that is only applied to a certain degree, the cross shows us what true, unconditional love is. Jesus held nothing back and required nothing from us in order to receive His love. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says:
But the message of 1 John 3:16 does not stop there. John goes on to say, “And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” In other words, the love that Christ has shown us is not merely to be admired but to be imitated. We are called to follow in the footsteps of our Savior, to lay down our own lives for the sake of others.
This is a challenging and often uncomfortable call, for it requires us to die to ourselves, to put the needs of others before our own. It means sacrificing our time, our resources, our comfort, and even our very lives, if necessary, to serve and love those around us. It is a call to a radical and selfless love, a love that mirrors the love of Christ.
As we embrace this call to lay down our lives for others, we discover that our love becomes a powerful witness to the world. For it is through our love for one another, and even for our enemies, that the world will know that we are disciples of Christ (John 13:35). Our love becomes the tangible expression of our new selves, hidden in Christ.
When we love as Christ loved, when we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others, we open the door for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those around us. Our love becomes a means by which others may come to know the love of God.
If we think back on our own lives, certain people come to mind when thinking of those whom God used to display the sacrificial love of Christ. Their lives were different, and we noticed. Their eyes and hearts for people were different, and we noticed. May that spur us on to be Jesus’ hands and feet in the places He has us. May the daily reminder of the gospel compel us to love and live in a sacrificial way in hopes that people will see the love of Christ on display.
“God, help us to truly know the depth of your love, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of your Son. May we be empowered by your Spirit to follow in the footsteps of Christ, laying down our lives for the sake of others. Use our love as a powerful witness to the world that many may come to know and follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
