Our Daily Bread: Called to ServeExemplo

True Sacrifice

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. —John 15:13

Eric was one of the good guys. As a police officer, he saw his work as a service to his community and was fully committed to serving at all costs. Evidence of this desire was seen on the door of Eric’s locker at the police station, where he posted John 15:13. 

In that verse, our Lord said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” For Eric, those words were not a mere ideal. They expressed his commitment to his duty as a police officer—a commitment he lived up to when he gave his life in the line of duty.

Jesus lived out the powerful words of John 15:13 within hours of stating them. The upper room event where Jesus spoke of such sacrifice was followed by an earnest and anguished prayer with His heavenly Father in the garden of Gethsemane. Then He faced a series of illegal trials and a brutal crucifixion before a mocking crowd. 

As the Son of God, Jesus could have avoided suffering, torture, and cruelty. He was without sin and did not deserve to die. But love—the fuel that drives true sacrifice—compelled Jesus to go to the cross. Scripture tells us, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners” (Romans 5:7). As a result, we can be forgiven if we will accept His sacrifice and resurrection by faith. Have you trusted the One who laid down His life for you?

Bill Crowder

Only Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, can declare guilty people perfect.