The apostle John wrote how Jesus told His disciples, “This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirteen of his book John shared how Jesus said, “greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”, where we read:
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
The verse reads, “Greater love has no man than this, ...” John began with the words, “Greater love” which means “more large, numerous, intense and abundant affection, good will, benevolence and brotherly love” “has no man than this” or “has not one person whether male or female than the following act”. John shared how Jesus said there is no greater “brotherly love and affection” expressed than in the following deed.
The verse goes on to say, “... that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John continued with Jesus words, “that a man lay down” which means “that a person whether male or female set, place or put aside” “his life” or “that person's own personal vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing” “for his friends” which means “on behalf of that person's associates, neighbors and companions”. John shared how Jesus said the “greatest” act of love is demonstrated when a person “set and put aside” their own “life” on behalf of others.
When we consider John's words in this verse, we learn what Jesus said is the “greatest” act of “love” a person may perform for others. When someone gives up their own life so that others may benefit, they have shown their deepest commitment to their family, neighbors, friends and companions. This is a selfless “love” that Jesus demonstrated as He gave His life on the cross on behalf of all mankind. God's love should never be doubted because He gave His Son Jesus to die for the sins of the whole world, and when a person understands to what great lengths God went to show His love for them, the best response is to surrender their lives to His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words know, understand and believe the “Great Love” God has extended to everyone.
Next time John shares how Jesus says, “you are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
No comments:
Post a Comment