That is what Jesus did for us! And, Jesus said that is the greatest love that one could possess. In John 15.13, He said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” So, we see from this passage that to lay down our lives for another takes “great love” on our part. Do you have it? Let us consider for whom we might pay the ultimate price.
Would you “lay down your life” for your husband or wife? Now, that might be an “easy” one. I would think that we all should answer that one in the affirmative.
Would you “lay down your life” for your children? Once again, that might be another “easy” one. Surely, any loving parent would do that! So, once again, we would probably answer “yes.”
Would you “lay down your life” for another family member like a brother, sister, uncle, cousin, etc.? Now we may be getting to the point of a tougher decision. But, would you do it?
Would you “lay down your life” for one of your friends? Would the fact that some are closer to you than others affect your decision? What about the more distant ones? Would you die for them?
Would you “lay down your life” for the person in the pew near you? What about those whom you do not know very well? What about those who might not see things exactly the way you do? Would you do it? Would you die for a brother or sister in Christ?
Would you “lay down your life” for a nosey neighbor? For a drunkard down the street? For an inmate in the local jail? For a hitchhiker walking through the city? For someone who killed a person you love? For anyone who is unloving? For a sinner? That is what Jesus did! Oh, to be more like Him!
Think about it!
Kevin Williams