MAY 27, 2013
True
Sacrifice
Read: Romans 5:1-11
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay
down one’s life for his friends.
—John 15:13
Eric
was one of the good guys. As a police officer, he saw his work as 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, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down
one’s life for his friends.” Those words, however, were not merely noble
ideals.
They expressed Eric’s commitment to his duty as a police officer—a
commitment
that demanded the ultimate price when he was killed in the line of
duty. It was a
real-life display of the heart of true sacrifice.
Jesus
Christ 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
communion with the Father at Gethsemane, a series of illegal trials, and then
crucifixion before a mocking crowd.
As
the Son of God, Jesus could have avoided the suffering, torture, and cruelty.
He was utterly without sin and did not deserve to die. But love, the fuel that
drives
true sacrifice, drove Him to the cross. 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?
’Twas not a martyr’s death He died,
The Christ of Calvary;
It was a willing sacrifice
He made for you—for me. —Adams
Only Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, can declare guilty people
perfect.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2013
