Scripture to Read: John 15:12–15
Jesus continued to share how critical it is for every one of His disciples to love. Jesus said in John 15:12–15, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” Jesus commands us to love, and it’s not just any kind of love, but our love for Him and others is to be just like His love for us. So, there is no misunderstanding of what type of love Jesus is describing; Jesus said that to love others the way He loves us, we must sacrifice our lives for the sake of others. Jesus displayed His love by laying down His life for us. God tells us in Ephesians 5:2, "..and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." This is another reminder from God to love as Christ loves us. Jesus also told His disciples that He calls all of His obedient children His friends. He calls us friends because He, through His Spirit, reveals to us all that the Father desires Him to reveal. This is a special privilege, indeed.
Challenge & Application
• According to John 15:13, what is the most incredible display of love, and why is it the most incredible?
• How are you sacrificing for others so they experience Christ's love through you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!