March 16, 2025

During Jesus last long discussion with his apostles in John 13-17 He explained to them that he wanted to have the same kind of love for each other that He had for them. He tells them in John 15:13 what this means. Saying “greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends”. Jesus said this knowing that within hours he would be arrested, tried, and then crucified for His friends. However this obvious meaning is not all that should be made of this saying. Jesus lived not just those last hours but his whole life for his friends.

This is what Christians are called to do. It has been said that when Jesus calls someone he calls them to come and die. It is very seldom that this is a one-time act. Instead the Christian must chose daily to give up his or her life for Christ and for others as He did.
Giving up one’s life can and sometimes does mean taking a bullet or falling on a grenade in a selfless one time act. Most often though giving up one’s life is about placing the needs and priorities of others before your own. This is exemplified in the spouse who gives up everything to care for their ailing partner. Or the parents of a disabled child who face the rest of their lives knowing that the needs of that child will forever be first. I know of couples now where one partner has Alzheimer’s and must be cared for perpetually. It is these people who set a wonderful example for the rest of us and who exemplify Christ like living.

Let’s remember then that we have been called to follow Jesus in giving up our lives to God, and in that to those around us Phil 2:3-5. When selfishness and frustration creep in remember the Lord’s example.

~ Kevin Cleary