“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:12-14 NIV)
Young men and women volunteering for military service do not often consider the consequences of their actions. The recruiters do not explain that they might lose their lives by serving their country. Usually, there is a tale of glory and world travel and adventure. But to enjoy the travel, adventure and achieve the glory they must put themselves “in harm’s way” (i.e., lay down their lives for their family and friends).
Serving in the military is in fact a body-for-body, life-for-life endeavor. The soldier, Marine, and sailor literally puts his/her life on hold to serve the best interests of his family and countrymen. It is an exchanging of his/her life for the lives of those he/she cherishes. Can’t you see the love in this action? Of course, the individual doesn’t necessarily think in these terms, but the commitment is certainly there.
Today we honor the veterans of our military. Those who have served us with their lives. The extent of this love is greater than anyone can imagine. We can’t put a value on this love. It is priceless! It is heroic! We honor it and glorify it and mythologize it. When all that a person has is life and gives it willingly for his family, friends, and countrymen then we stand in awe of such sacrifice. We are awestruck because we know there are not many who willingly lay down their lives in the place of others.
This love is the highest degree of love. It defeats death. It extends beyond the grave. The superiority of this love is greater than all others. It is of the highest achievement and cannot be replaced. It is the pinnacle of gifts.
Many have served content to know they protected freedoms of family and country. As veterans, our service was but of equal value to the life of those for whom we served. We served voluntarily with the knowledge that death was a possibility, but not certain. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, however made his sacrifice intentionally, knowing from the beginning that he was going to die so all mankind could have the opportunity to live.
Christ died not only for his friends but also for his enemies (Romans 5:8 & 10). John Calvin wrote, “Those hearts must be harder than iron or stone which are not softened by such incomparable sweetness of divine love.”
It might be good to carefully consider today’s passage remembering that when Jesus was baptized by John, these men were not his friends. They were not acquainted with him. Back then, he was only a figment of prophecy. Yet, after explaining about laying down one’s life for friends, he says, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (v. 14).
The act of obedience to his commands sets us apart as the Lord’s friends. And the first act of obedience is “whosoever believes in him” (Jn. 3:16) with the understanding that the act of “believing” involves confession and repentance (Rom. 10:9-10). But obedience is love’s response to the act of laying down one’s life for one’s friends. Our love for His love.
Dear Father, thank you for your love shown through Calvary. Empower us to return your love with our loving obedience. As Christ laid down his life for us, may we lay ours down for him. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in your love for Christ,