No GREATER Love
January 23, 2026
On the night before the cross, Jesus spoke words that still carry weight today. He knew His time with the disciples was short. They were anxious, confused, and unsure of what was coming next. In that moment, Jesus didn’t offer a detailed plan or a set of instructions for survival. He gave them one clear command:
John 15:12–13
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus defines love not by the intensity of our feelings, how loving we feel, but by the willingness to give. This love is not dictated by mood or availability. It is a love that actually requires sacrifice, a love that reaches out to others even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.
When Jesus says, “as I have loved you,” He invites us to look closely at His own life at the example he has revealed:
He loved people who misunderstood Him.
He served people who could never repay Him.
He forgave people who betrayed and wounded Him.
He gave His life for people who had not yet chosen Him.
Jesus is talking about sacrificial love in our verses today. Sacrificial love is measured not by emotion, but by surrender. We see this in Jesus' example in the way he lived. Sacrificial love means less focus on ourselves and our wants and needs. It is the profound decision to embrace inconvenience, endure discomfort, and even face a measure of pain so that another person can experience life, healing, or hope. We see that in Jesus' loving actions, don't we?
He loved people who misunderstood Him.
He served people who could never repay Him.
He forgave people who betrayed and wounded Him.
He gave His life for people who had not yet chosen Him.
Jesus is talking about sacrificial love in our verses today. Sacrificial love is measured not by emotion, but by surrender. We see this in Jesus' example in the way he lived. Sacrificial love means less focus on ourselves and our wants and needs. It is the profound decision to embrace inconvenience, endure discomfort, and even face a measure of pain so that another person can experience life, healing, or hope. We see that in Jesus' loving actions, don't we?
There are many snapshots of the Costly Love, this sacrificial love in the Bible. Scripture repeatedly shows us that true love always involves sacrifice. Think of these examples:
Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1–4): Ruth releases her past, her security, and her future plans to remain faithful to Naomi. Her words, “Where you go, I will go”, reflect a love that stays, even when it costs.
Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18–20): Jonathan gives up his claim to the throne to protect his friend. He chooses faithfulness over ambition.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37): The Samaritan interrupts his journey, spends his resources, and risks involvement to care for a wounded stranger.
Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5–8): The clearest picture of all, Jesus empties Himself, takes on human flesh, and becomes obedient to death on a cross.
Every expression of genuine love in Scripture ultimately points us to the way of Jesus.
I remember being told a story about a brutal winter storm, a hospital lost power. Roads were impassable. Staff members were stranded. One nurse, already exhausted after a long 12 hour shift, was preparing to leave. Then she saw frightened patients, anxious families, and the growing uncertainty.
She quietly hung her coat back on the hook and said, “I’ll stay.”
She stayed through the night, comforting patients, holding hands in the dark, moving people to warmer, safer areas, and offering calm in the chaos. When asked later why she remained, her answer was simple:
“Because love doesn’t clock out.”
I have found that sacrificial love rarely feels dramatic in the moment. It often means staying when it would be easier to walk away, giving when no one’s paying attention, and showing up again even when you’re already worn out.
I remember being told a story about a brutal winter storm, a hospital lost power. Roads were impassable. Staff members were stranded. One nurse, already exhausted after a long 12 hour shift, was preparing to leave. Then she saw frightened patients, anxious families, and the growing uncertainty.
She quietly hung her coat back on the hook and said, “I’ll stay.”
She stayed through the night, comforting patients, holding hands in the dark, moving people to warmer, safer areas, and offering calm in the chaos. When asked later why she remained, her answer was simple:
“Because love doesn’t clock out.”
I have found that sacrificial love rarely feels dramatic in the moment. It often means staying when it would be easier to walk away, giving when no one’s paying attention, and showing up again even when you’re already worn out.
What could living out sacrificial love look like today?
I suspect that most of us will never be asked to give our lives physically, but Jesus in the gospel does invite us daily to lay something down:
Laying down convenience to make time for someone in need
Laying down pride to offer forgiveness
Laying down comfort to serve in stretching ways
Laying down self-protection to choose compassion
Laying down indifference by truly noticing others
I believe what Jesus is teaching his followers then and now is that sacrificial love is not occasional, it is practiced in ordinary, daily faithfulness.
I suspect that most of us will never be asked to give our lives physically, but Jesus in the gospel does invite us daily to lay something down:
Laying down convenience to make time for someone in need
Laying down pride to offer forgiveness
Laying down comfort to serve in stretching ways
Laying down self-protection to choose compassion
Laying down indifference by truly noticing others
I believe what Jesus is teaching his followers then and now is that sacrificial love is not occasional, it is practiced in ordinary, daily faithfulness.
Perhaps our take away today is to remember that love looks most like Christ when it costs us something, when we lay something down. You see where sacrifice is present, Christlike love is taking root. And where Christlike love is lived out, lives are quietly and powerfully changed.
Let's Pray
Lord Jesus,
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for loving us with a love that gave everything.
Help us to love others the way You have loved us.
Give us eyes that notice, hearts that respond, and the courage to choose love even when it’s hard.
Shape our lives so that Your love shows in how we live and care for those around us.
Amen.
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