“Greater Love Has No One Than This…”

“Greater love has no one than this…”

These words are likely familiar to many of us, but they hold a deeper meaning than most realize.

As I reflect on John 15:13, I picture Jesus making the ultimate sacrifice after His time with His disciples.

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

John 15:13

At first glance, this scripture might seem to simply refer to laying down one’s life physically for someone else.

However, Jesus’ entire earthly ministry reveals that it carries a much greater significance.

Do you see it?

I must admit, there aren’t many people we’d be willing to make that kind of sacrifice for.

Our parents and siblings? Most likely, without hesitation.

But anyone else? If we’re being honest, I’m sure you’re not so sure about that either.

That’s something profound to think about.

How striking Jesus’s expression of true selflessness and love challenges us.

The Greatest Gift is Love

Jesus showed this truth through his own life by willingly enduring the cross to bear our sins and shame.

It was excruciating, but He personally took our sins upon Himself on that cross, so that we could be free from sin and live for what is right.

He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!

1 Peter 2:24

Despite the mocking and insults during his crucifixion, where people questioned His identity, His decision to give His life revealed what true love looks like.

In that moment of immense pain, the greatest kind of love was undeniably on display.

Jesus demonstrated it in its most complete form.

He chose to die on the cross to save humanity.

Through His sacrifice, Jesus became the perfect atonement for our sins, making it possible for us to be reconciled with God and to live eternally with Him in Heaven.

If Jesus told the apostles that loving others means sacrificing self, why should we, as modern-day disciples of Christ, expect our lives to be any different?

The Measure of Greater Love

The measure of greater love is viewed in some ways.

Love, faith, and hope are listed as enduring gifts in 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Of these eternal gifts, love takes precedence.

Love surpasses both faith and hope because they rely on love for their very foundation.

Without love, faith becomes hollow, and hope loses its meaning.

As Paul points out, even a faith that can move mountains is useless without love.

Similarly, hope without love lacks authenticity.

Love is at the heart of God’s nature, making it the foundation of Christianity.

So, what does this greater love look like in our daily lives today?

In a world that is becoming more selfish, with little consideration for others, showing this greater love may involve sacrificing some of our personal freedoms so that our neighbor can witness the embodiment of Jesus’ sacrifice.

It might mean allowing someone to attack you online and responding with kindness instead of anger.

It could mean giving up your only free chance at a movie and joining fellow believers in church, so those who look up to you can see how important Christ is to you.

Simply put, every interaction we have is a chance to put ourselves aside and reflect Jesus to others.

Love Above All

While the world often limits love to certain people, Jesus shows us we don’t have to think that way.

He taught His followers to love like He did, which meant putting others first.

Jesus didn’t just talk about love; He demonstrated it by helping people, teaching them about God, and doing whatever was needed.

Just like in the parable of the Good Samaritan, this love broadens who we consider our friends.

In the story, a man is beaten and abandoned, left for dead on the side of the road.

While religious leaders pass by without helping, a Samaritan (who was traditionally seen as an enemy of the Jews) stops to assist the wounded man.

This illustrates that our love should extend beyond those who are familiar or similar to us.

Jesus said that the greatest love is when someone is willing to give up their life for others, and He proved it by dying on the cross for everyone’s sake.

I must admit, the idea of laying aside myself to love others often makes me pause.

Doesn’t this make me a doormat? Honestly, yes. In the eyes of the world today, it would.

But I remind myself that He who lives in me is greater than he who lives in the world.

I have nothing to lose.

Jesus didn’t die only for those who deserved it, because none of us are worthy of His sacrifice.

He died for everyone.

No matter how broken or messed up they are.

The selfless love Jesus demonstrated should be at the core of who we are as Christians in our everyday lives.

My prayer for us, especially as we celebrate Easter, is that we sincerely come to the throne of Grace and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

No matter what the world says, know that nothing it offers can compare to the treasure of being in God’s presence in Heaven.

That reward comes because you chose to love genuinely.

So, let’s keep living like Christ here on earth.

Maranatha!