MAY 15, 2024
Topic: THE GREATEST LOVE
Text: John 15:7-20; Hebrews 10:1-19
Memory Verse: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” – (John15:13- NLT)
The Lucan account (Acts 1:1) had as its introduction: “all that Jesus began to do and teach…” Jesus first did before teaching! The greatest expression of love for friends and foes alike (Rom. 5:7-8) is to take their place when condemned to death and TO die for them!
The death on the cross, perfecting our redemption showed the great length God went to, to ensure that no one who comes to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ will be condemned after this earthly journey(John 3:15-18; 6:37). His sacrificial death was the epitome of love, which to God was a “sweet-smelling aroma” (Eph. 5:2); the blood of bulls, goats or red-heifer burnt to ashes would not have been able to atone the sins of humans in the new covenant, which annulled the first one (Heb. 9:12-15; 10:16-18).
The Old Testament animal sacrifices and their blood could make atonement for sin (Lev. 17:11), as remission of sin is made by the shedding of blood (Heb. 9:19-22). However, helpless humans found it difficult to comply with the series of requirements (Heb 8:7). Therefore, the old covenant was annulled and remission of sins is now only possible through the blood of the sinless Christ; and He commanded us to preach this agape love theme (Matt. 26:28; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38).
Dear friends, the love of God and His fairness was demonstrated as He offered His only son to be a propitiation for our sins (Rom. 3:25), a typology of the event on Mount Moriah where Abraham was told to sacrifice his “only son” (Gen 22:2). If God so loved us, we should love each other (1 John 4:11). This love should extend to those who hate and persecute you! Yes, you must really love them with genuine affection (Rom 12:9-10; 14-21 – NLT).
Now that you know these things, go and do them just like Jesus did! (John 13:17)
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, it is a hard thing to my human mind to love those who hate me. I ask that your Spirit take over my entire being to obey Your command and to see others the way You see them. Grant me peace in my heart as I release those I hitherto abhorred, forgiving them even as I ask that You forgive me. Amen.