stephen R Harrison

“Love Like Christ”

“Greater love has no one than this: 

to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

-John 15:13

Some of my favorite chapters in the New Testament are John 15-17. Before going to the cross, Jesus reminds us of the importance of abiding in Him and the gift and ministry of the Holy Spirit. He even prays for us. One of my favorite words in these chapters is “friends”. Jesus calls his disciples that three times! He lays down his life for his friends (v. 13), asks his friends to obey his commands (v. 14), and reveals the Father’s business to his friends (v. 15). What a friend we have in Jesus! The world has written much on the topic of friendships.  Songs, poems, movie scripts, and books have been produced trying to convey true friendship. But the world’s perspective of friendship is incomplete and imperfect.

Jesus said this about friendship, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Friendship is used negatively in other Gospels. Jesus is accused of being a “friend of sinners” in Matthew 11:19. This, however, is a good thing. Jesus said some friends would betray you because of him in Luke 21:16. Here in John, we see the best friend anyone could have is Jesus. Jesus would lay down his life for friends. Jesus truly is a friend of sinners. 

John uses the word friend six times in his Gospel. There are friends of Jesus the bridegroom (3:29). Jesus says Lazarus is his friend (11:11). In chapter fifteen, those who do his will are his friends (v. 15). Friendship is a covenant concept here – it is committed through the worst of times. It lays down its life. The friendship of Christ to us is a strong bond. It is a community of reciprocal love and sacrifice. Many have died for their friends. I am reminded of a story from a man in my church who was in Vietnam. He told me about a guy in his company who risked his life and rescued him from danger. What a sacrifice! 

Many have died for their friends. This is commendable. Romans 5:7 calls it rare. They do it only if they discern the person they are dying for is worth it. I would die for my family. But for a stranger, I’m not so sure. Paul continues in Romans 5:7, “though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die”. Romans 5:8 tells us the ultimate form of sacrifice and love Jesus showed us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus didn’t die for only those he knew on the earth or a select few he deemed worthy. None were worthy! All have sinned and fallen short of his glory (Romans 3:23).  We all needed Christ to die for our sins. What a gift our friend gave us through his death on the cross! 

Lent is a time to reflect on the gift Jesus gave us. He submitted to the Father’s will and became sin for us. He is the perfect, spotless Lamb who takes away our sins. I’m reminded of the old hymn, “What a friend we have in Jesus”. The song begins, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.” He bore our sins on the cross – what a friend! My favorite verse is the last one. It says, “Can we find a friend so faithful? Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.” The one who died for sins is also faithful to share our sorrows, weaknesses, and burdens. We can go to our heavenly friend with anything! What a friend we have in Jesus!

Questions: 

How has Jesus been a friend to you?

Have you taken advantage (negatively) of your friendship with Jesus?

Are you obeying his commands? 

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for the ultimate friendship in you. You are the best of friends! Please help us obey your commands. We desire to know God’s will for our lives. Thank you for laying down your life so we could have eternal life. Thank you for praying to the Father for us. What a friend you are! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Read: 

John 15:9-17

Action Step:

Write a list of five of your friends. How can you be Christlike to them this week? Think of a practical way to serve them. Pray about how to point your loving act to Jesus’ act of laying down his life for our sins.