3:147 – I would Lay Down My Life For…

#faithbites #faithjourneh lay

I often hear people say they would give their life to save their kids or a spouse. First responders put their lives on the line everyday. I think it’s admirable to be willing to give your life for someone else.

Now, would you give your life for your neighbor? Seriously think about this. Would you volunteer to lay down your life or jump in front of a bullet for your neighbor?

Now, would you give your life for a complete stranger? Someone you have never and may never meet. Would you gladly and without remorse die for them? If you are like me, the answer is probably not. We balance who we would and wouldn’t give or lives for.

Jesus, was asked this question and he did. He died for his family, his friends, his neighbors, and complete strangers. He knew this was the only way to forgive all of our sins and bring us back to God. Would you be willing to do that?

Scripture

• John 15:13-14 – Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends
• John 10:11 – I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
• Romans 5:6-8 – For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Reflection

Some would give up their lives for a righteous person, fewer would for just a good person. But for the ungodly and unworthy? On Jesus. Our Shepard died so we sheep could be free.

When we talk about love, it normally goes as far as our friends and family. Some love our neighbors but the truest form of love is one would be willing to lay down their life for another.

When we think about love, let’s think about it in Jesus’s terms. We aren’t called to lay down our lives but if you were, would you? That’s the type and depth of love.

Thank you Jesus

Challenge

Think, just think about how great a sacrifice and love that Christ has for you. Someone he didn’t meet in person, but knows as he is God. That is deep love.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your Son. Thank you for the deep sacrifice and love he showed. Help us realize both what true love means and how much we are loved that he would die for a sinner stranger. Let us remember that worth as we live as closely to him as we can. In your name, Amen.