Listen:
“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)
Reflect:
Jesus is speaking in the context of His own imminent sacrifice, looking around the table at each of His friends-perhaps His gaze extending to the women off to the side, as they served the meal and listened. Do they understand what He’s telling them? “I love you so much I am going to die for you.”
As some of them followed Jesus stumbling through the streets of Jerusalem, bleeding and dragging a heavy cross, did they understand this was love? As they watched that same cross raised and thumped into a hole in the ground, with Jesus nailed to it, agony etched on His face – did they understand this waslove?
Jesus didn’t want to suffer the agony of crucifixion, but He chose to. Why? For our benefit. He put my need – your need – for forgiveness above His natural desire to avoid unspeakable pain. On a much smaller scale, we can also put the needs of those we love above our own. Although we may never be in a situation where we have to give our life for someone, Jesus does call us to love one another in a way that is willing to sacrifice for their well-being through our actions and the choices we make. From a mother forfeiting her career to look after her family, to a soldier laying down his life for his country, or children sacrificing their own wants and desires for their aging parents, self-sacrifice is truly an act of love and courage. Whoever you’re called to love in this way, may your motive be for them to see Jesus.
Prayer of Response:
Lord Jesus, show me how to cultivate a heart of love that prioritizes the needs of others, and empower me to act on that love. May the motives of my heart be in line with your heart of unconditional love and may they see Your love through me.
Questions to Ponder:
- Reflect on the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice and consider how you can reflect that love in your interactions with others.
- How do you feel about prioritizing the needs of others, even when it requires personal cost?
Breath Prayers:
As a new weekly rhythm, join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): May I sacrifice for You
Exhale (Breathe out): as You sacrificed for me
—Submitted by: Audrey Jose
Audrey has been involved with Lifesprings since 2007 and currently leads the Peace Amidst Conflict Training team. She and her husband serve with Radstock Ministries (www.radstock.org) which is committed to church planting and offers coaching, expertise and opportunities worldwide for mission and church partnerships.
Feature photo courtesy Howard Diehl, painting by Howard, Lifesprings’ Dona Diehl’s husband.