APRIL 16, 2023
READ: John 15 (Focus vs. 9–17)
MEMORY VERSE
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
BACKGROUND
Just days before Holy Week, when Christians around the world remember Jesus’ sacrifice and celebrate His resurrection, a terrorist stormed into a supermarket in southwest France opening fire and killing two.
After negotiation, the terrorist released all but one hostage, whom he turned into a human shield. Knowing the danger, police officer Arnaud Beltrame did the unthinkable: he volunteered to take the woman’s place.
The perpetrator released her, but in the ensuing scuffle Beltrame was injured and later died.
A minister who knew the police officer attributed his heroism to his faith in Jesus, pointing to His words in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Those were the words Christ spoke to His disciples after their last meal together. He told His friends to “Love each other as I have loved you” (v. 12) and that the greatest love is to lay down one’s life for another (v. 13).
This is exactly what Jesus did the next day, when He went to the cross to save us from our sin—as only He could.
We may never be called to follow the heroism of this officer. But as we remain in God’s love, we can serve others sacrificially, laying down our own plans and desires as we seek to share the story of His great love.
By: Amy Boucher Pye
INSIGHT
Two important themes in John 15 are remaining in Jesus and friendship with Jesus.
Twice, Christ instructs us to “remain in [His] love” (vv. 9–10)—to continue in a personal, enduring, and endearing intimate relationship with Him. To remain in Jesus’ love is to “remain faithful to [His] teachings” (8:31 nlt) and obey His commands (15:10).
Jesus contrasted servants and friends (v. 15) to show the new level of intimacy that believers now have with Him.
He proved this friendship by laying down His life for us (v. 13). Because Abraham was privileged to be called a “friend” of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23), God revealed His plans to him (Genesis 18:17).
He also spoke to Moses “as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). Jesus likewise tells us “everything that [He] learned from [His] Father” (John 15:15) because we are His friends.
By: K. T. Sim
APPLICATION
How do you react to stories such as that of Arnaud Beltrame? How can you serve someone sacrificially today?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
It isn’t sacrifice if it costs you nothing pr
“The truth is, when it comes to someone you truly and genuinely love, you will find there isn’t anything you won’t do” Richelle Mead – Adapted
RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…as we remain in God’s love, we can serve others sacrificially, laying down our own plans and desires as we seek to share the story of His great love.”
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, You died to give me life everlasting. May I live with gratitude for this gift and share it with those You put in my path.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“THERE WAS ONE WHO WAS WILLING TO DIE” Carrie Breck
There was One who was willing to die
in my stead,
That a soul so unworthy might live,
And the path to the cross
He was willing to tread,
All the sins of my life to forgive.
They are nailed to the cross,
They are nailed to the cross,
O how much He was willing to bear!
With what anguish and loss,
Jesus went to the cross!
But He carried my sins with Him there.
He is tender and loving and patient with me,
While He cleanses my heart of its dross;
But “there’s no condemnation,” I know I am free,
For my sins are all nailed to the cross.
They are nailed to the cross…
I will cling to my Savior and never depart –
I will joyfully journey each day
With a song on my lips and a song in my heart,
That my sins have been taken away.
They are nailed to the cross,
They are nailed to the cross,
O how much He was willing to bear!
With what anguish and loss,
Jesus went to the cross!
But He carried my sins with Him there.
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
I Samuel 30-31
Luke 13:23-35
