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The Ultimate Expression of Love

What is one of the most loving things someone has ever done for you? Perhaps it was something sacrificial of their time or money?

My mom sewed a quilt for each of my sisters and I based on the colors of our bedrooms and gave them to us as Christmas gifts. This timely act of intentionality and creativity will keep us warm for decades!

For Christians, we know that the most powerful act of love ever was the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. John 3:16 has become so familiar to many of us that we forget the power of this amazing verse.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

It was the love of our Heavenly Father that brought about our rescue! Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross for sins he did not commit. He provided an opportunity for us to be forgiven and spend eternity with him in heaven. This is the greatest expression of love that has ever taken place.

This gift of love was costly and intense. The night before his crucifixion, Jesus was in anguish. He cried out, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:42-44).

Imagine this scene in your mind. Jesus’ suffering was so great that he was actually sweating blood. This only occurs when the body is under intense stress or shock. Jesus cried out to God the Father, asking if there was any other way. His suffering was so intense that an angel had to provide him with strength for the road ahead. The road ahead was long and painful- but Jesus resolutely followed his path to the cross. Because of his love for us, he would finish his mission.

On his way to the cross, Jesus wore a crown of thorns and was spit on, beaten and publicly mocked. His skin was shredded in the torture, and his abused body was disfigured beyond recognition. The Romans were masters of suffering. They had perfected brutal forms of execution. Seven-inch nails were hammered into the wrists and feet of Jesus. He suffered loss of blood and dehydration. Once on the cross, his position made it hard to take a full breath without pain. The splinters of wood from the cross would have brought immense pain with every struggling breath. The result of all this was likely death by suffocation.

Isaiah prophetically foretold how far love would take Jesus.

"Surely he took up our pain

and bore our suffering,

yet we considered him punished by God,

stricken by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed."

(Isaiah 53:4-5)

To personalize these verses, try replacing the word “our” with the word “my.” For example: "Jesus took up my pain and bore my suffering..." What emotions do you experience when you make these statements personal?

Jesus loves you is a common phrase, but don’t let the phrase lose its weight. Those few simple words are some of the most costly words in history.

Jesus

Loves

You!

Reflection:

Today, as you read John 19, thank Jesus for the sacrifice he made on your behalf. Visualize his road to the cross, and let this sacrifice of love lead you to worship the Lord today!