Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

No one has any greater love than the man who lays down his own life for a friend. (John 15:13) When Jesus died on the cross, he showed his great love for his disciples. He called them his friends in the two verses that follow.

Jesus called himself the good Shepherd in John 10:11. As the good shepherd, he gave his life for the sheep. Then he said, “I lay down my life for the sheep” (V. 15).

He made it clear that no one would take his life from him. He would lay down his life of his own self. He had the power both to lay it down and also to take it up again. (V. 18)

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans makes mention of the fact that it is rare for one to die for another.

But Christ died for us while we were only sinners. (5:8) We were not his friends at that time. He gave his life for us when we were his enemies. (V. 10)

Living for Jesus, a hymn, written by Thomas Chisholm, closes with a prayer. When we think about the great love of Jesus that moved him to lay down his life for us, we want to lay down our life for him as we pray:

“O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, For Thou in Thy atonement, Didst give Thyself for me.”

 

You can Join Rev. Nevel every Sunday at:
•9:00 a.m.- Sunset Memorial Church in Tamarack
•11:00 a.m.- Grace Baptist Church in North Bend

Everyone is always welcome!